Ile-Ife agog as Ooni Ogunwusi marks 50th birthday in grand style
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
Prominent political figures, captains of industry, and traditional rulers converged in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan, Ojaja II.
The birthday ceremony was characterized by an array of events and high-profile attendees, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for the monarch.
Former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, who spoke earlier at the palace, described Oba Ogunwusi as a pride of the Yoruba race, noting that his pursuit of unity among Oduduwa descendants globally is unprecedented.
According to him, “Kabiyesi, within nine years of your ascension to the great Oduduwa throne, you 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.”
In his remarks, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, described the monarch as a peace-loving leader whose passion for the development of Nigeria and the welfare of youth is unrivaled.
Speaking at the inauguration of Ojaja Cinema, Oba Ogunwusi, who noted that the bigger plan is to build one of the largest film and talent discovery cities in Ile-Ife, explained that reputable institutions of learning, including Ojaja University, Eyenkorin, Kwara State, which he owns, will be engaged in cultivating a beneficial town-gown relationship.
“My direct interaction with young Nigerians, particularly on our campuses, reveals to me that the country has not fully tapped into their potential. I am glad that our Afrobeat music has become an asset across Africa and beyond, but I am confident that we can do more in the global entertainment arena, especially by telling our stories through cinema and films.
“Just imagine the number of jobs that can be generated from a successful movie presentation, musical display, and the like. These are the advantages associated with the entertainment industry, and it will equally boost the country’s economy and generate huge foreign exchange,” Ooni stated.
Among the highlights of the grand celebration was the commissioning of the Ojaja Cinema, built inside the Ojaja Arena, by Fashola, while the Osun Governor led the cake-cutting.
Former Vanguard Managing Director and Provost Gbenga Adefaye and Bisi Olatilo led media executives to the event, while Chief Tunde Ponle of MicCom Golf led captains of industry to the Ojaja Grand Resort.
Some 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 of Osun, Grace Titi-Ponle, and Labour Party Governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
Traditional rulers in attendance included the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor, Elegushi of Ikate, Oba Saheed Ademola, Oniru of Lagos, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan, and Olowu of Kuta, Oba Abdulhameed Oyelude, among others.
