The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has presented the traditional beaded crown to the newly installed Olomoni of Okuu-Omoni-Ife Land, Oba Adewale Aderoju.

The presentation took place on Thursday evening at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Ooni Ogunwusi, who serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), offered ancestral blessings and royal prayers for the new monarch.

The Ooni charged Oba Aderoju to uphold the dignity, customs and traditions of his people while using his position to promote peace, unity and development across his domain.

He described the ascension of the monarch as a sacred responsibility, urging him to serve his people with wisdom, humility and courage.

Ooni Ogunwusi further emphasised the important role of traditional rulers as custodians of culture and drivers of community development.

He encouraged the Olomoni to work closely with other traditional rulers and community leaders, particularly towards strengthening unity among communities whose ancestral heritage can be traced to Ile-Ife.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, offered royal prayers for the new monarch, seeking wisdom, good health, longevity and strength for him to successfully lead his people.

Oba Toriola urged the Olomoni to make the welfare of his subjects a priority and ensure that peace, unity and progress remain the foundation of his reign.

Responding, Oba Adewale Aderoju expressed appreciation to the Ooni of Ife for the honour and recognition accorded him.

He described the presentation of the beaded crown as a significant moment in his reign and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by the Ooni and his people.

The Olomoni promised to preserve the traditions and cultural heritage of his forebears while pursuing peace, unity and socio-economic development in Okuu-Omoni-Ife Land.

He also expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Ooni, neighbouring traditional institutions and other stakeholders to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Ile-Ife and advance the interests of his people.