Ooni of Ife Named Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa Ahead of Africa Day Celebration.
By Caroline Ameh
Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has been officially named the Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa by the African Union Simulation (AUS), in recognition of his cultural leadership and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment across the continent.
This announcement was made during a visit by a continental delegation led by Ambassador Dr. Young Piero Omatseye, Africa Coordinator of the African Union Simulation and Director of Parliament for Africa, Caribbean & Pacific Joint Sessions. The delegation met with the Ooni at the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, to formally deliver the nomination ahead of the upcoming Africa Day celebration, set to take place in Abuja, 24th to 27th May, 2025
According to the orgnisers, 35 countries have already signed to participate in the event.
This was made known by Otunba Moses Olafare Director, Media & Public Affairs Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife on Friday.
“We are here today on behalf of youths and leaders across 54 African countries to inform His Majesty of his unanimous nomination. The Africa Day event will celebrate culture, tradition, youth empowerment, and innovation,” said Ambassador Omatseye.
The Africa Day event is expected to bring together Heads of State, African Ministers, Ambassadors, global partners, and experts in critical sectors including energy, agriculture, and technology, with a key focus on engaging the youth population.
In her remarks, Her Regal Majesty, Amb. (Dr.) Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed gratitude to the African Union Simulation for the honour bestowed on her husband, highlighting his dedication to transformative youth initiatives such as the Hope’s Alive Initiative and the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF).
“My husband’s throne has become a platform for youth transformation across Africa. This prestigious nomination affirms the values he champions for the betterment of young Africans. We deeply appreciate this recognition,” she stated.
Responding to the honour, the Ooni expressed heartfelt appreciation to the delegation and to African youth for the gesture. “As a youth on the throne of Oduduwa, I have dedicated my reign to uplifting African youth. I thank you all and pray for the success of the Africa Day celebration. God willing, I will be present,” he said.
The visit concluded with the presentation of a nomination plaque, symbolizing the Ooni’s official designation as Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa.
