Events  

Adeleke, Fashola, others celebrate Ooni on 50th birthday

By Timothy Agbor, Osogbo

18 October 2024   |   8:56 am

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, and business mogul, Tunde Ponle, were among the

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, and business mogul, Tunde Ponle, were among the crème de la crème of society who gathered in Ile-Ife on Thursday to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The first-class monarch’s golden jubilee anniversary was held in grand style. In addition to political office holders, traditional rulers, and top corporate leaders also converged on the ancient city to celebrate with His Imperial Majesty.

As part of the birthday activities, former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, commissioned the Ojaja Cinema located inside the Ojaja Arena, while Governor Adeleke led the cake-cutting event in honour of the monarch.

Former Vanguard Managing Director and Provost, Gbenga Adefaye, and media veteran Bisi Olatilo led notable media figures to the event. Chief Tunde Ponle of MicCom Golf brought captains of industry to the Ojaja Grand Resort, the venue of the well-attended ceremony.

Speaking at the palace, Fashola described the Ooni as the pride of the Yoruba race, lauding his pursuit of unity among Oduduwa descendants globally.

Addressing Oba Ogunwusi, Fashola said, “Kabiyesi, your nine years of ascension to the great Oduduwa throne have brought glory to the race. Your pursuit of unity among Oduduwa descendants across the world is remarkable.

“We, your subjects, are proud of you. We love and appreciate your dedication to preserving Yoruba cultural heritage. Kabiyesi, we love you.”

During the grand finale of the celebrations, Governor Adeleke described Ooni Ogunwusi as a peace-loving monarch with an unmatched passion for Nigeria’s development and youth welfare.

At the inauguration of the cinema, the Ooni explained that his broader vision is to establish one of the largest film and talent discovery cities in Ile-Ife. He also emphasised the importance of engaging reputable institutions, including Ojaja University in Eyenkorin, Kwara State, to foster a beneficial town-gown relationship.

The Ooni said, “My direct interaction with young Nigerians, particularly on campuses, revealed that the country has not fully tapped into their potential. While our Afrobeat music has become a valuable asset across Africa and beyond, I am confident we can achieve even more in the global entertainment space, especially by telling our stories through cinema and film.

“Consider the number of jobs that can be created from a successful movie production or musical display. The entertainment industry offers numerous benefits, including boosting the economy and generating significant foreign exchange.”

Prominent dignitaries at the event included Osun State Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro, Osun House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Egbedun, former Speaker Timothy Owoeye, former Deputy Governor Grace Titi-Ponle, and Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

Among the traditional rulers in attendance were the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor; Elegushi, Oba Saheed Ademola; Oniru of Lagos, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan; and Olowu-Kuta, Oba AbdulHameed Oyelude, along with many others.