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Wednesday 29 July 2015

From The Archive(s) - Installation and Coronation of the 50th Ooni of Ife Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade On Saturday 6th December 1980


His Imperial Majesty
Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade
(CFR, DCL, LLD, D. LITT)
Olubuse II
OONI of Ife

ILE-IFE – Ife Ooye - is a name that was deliberately coined by the founding fathers of the Yoruba Race; as earlier indicated, it was neither a coincidental nor a careless coinage. Its antecedents date to the very beginning.

From Ile-Ife according to the Yorubas, the world took off; from Ile-Ife, empires and kingdoms were founded. Oduduwa sent out his sons to found and rule over these empires and kingdoms. The relationship of the rulers of such empires and kingdoms to Ife in the distant past is unclear. Eventually, it came to be recognized that although they had political power over these kingdoms and empires, spiritual power was believed to reside in Ile-Ife, it was this spiritual power that made it possible for them to rule successfully over their kingdoms and empires.

Since Oduduwa, many years ago, Ile-Ife has been regarded by the Yorubas as the cradle of their race, the land of the gods and the Ooni of Ife is reffered to as God’s own representative on earth – Arole Oduduwa, Oluaye, Iku Alase, Orisa Keji – and regarded with awe and reverence.
The coronation of Ooni Olubuse II on Saturday, 6 th December , 180 like that of the 49 preceeding Oonis is believed to have been specifically chosen and ordained by the gods. However, this coronation was different from previous coronation of an Ooni to take place in independent Nigeria. The immediate preceding one, that of His Royal Highness, Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, fifty years before, took place in a colonised Nigeria.
At the time of coronation of Ooni Olubuse II in 1980. Nigeria was not only an independent country, but a relatively prosperous one as well, with a sizeable, well-educated middle class. All these factors combined to make his coronation one of the grandest and most well attended in the history of Ife and indeed in Yorubaland. Besides, the personality of this Ooni, something of a homme du monde, attracted quite a ceremony. Never before had such a colourful array of personalities from various parts of the world converged in Ile-Ife to honour an individual; but then this was no ordinary individual.
In his life-time, Ooni Adesoji Aderemi KBE, it was generally acknowledged, was a giant in every respect. He affected his society at every level and certainly left a vacuum that could not be filled by any but a giant n his own right and so when it was announced that Ooni Adesoji Aderemi departed 
these earthly shores was much curiosity well beyond the boundaries of Yorubaland as to who would succeed this unique son of Oduduwa, the first Ooni in modern Yoruba history to successfully combine his crucial tradition role as Ooni with secular political functions, in an emerging and highly fractious nation-state

The traditional rulers added colour to the ceremony with their costumes and entourages; their presence was also a demonstration of solidarity and evidence, (if any was still needed) that the gods had indeed given their approval to the day’s event. The roll call of traditional rulers included the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, the Amayanabo of Opobo, the Emir of Kano, the Olu of Warri, the Oba of Lagos, the Oba of Benin, the Shoun of Ogbomoso, Ataoja of Osogbo, the Awujale of Ijebuland, the Elejigbo of Ejigbo, and the Alake of Egbaland.
Unanimous choice of the kingmakers, the Ooni-elect arrived Ile-Ife to great cheers from the people.

The arrival of chief Obafemi Awolowo, the acclaimed political leader of the Yorubas brought particularly loud ovation from the crowd of scores of thousands. Chief Awolowo was of course accompanied by his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Awolowo who as part of the epoch making installation was conferred with the title “Yeye Oba”.
Many other giants in the Nigerian political scene were also present – former and incumbent governors of the Western states, civilian and military (Chief Bola Ige, the day’s host, Alhaji Lateef Jakande of Lagos, - Major General Adeyinka Adebayo, Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi and Major General David Jemibewon). The queen of England sent personal representatives and nearly every diplomatic mission in Nigeria was represented.
With the stage set and the square filled beyond capacity nothing remained but for the day’s programme to commence. Just then a long and obviously regal procession was seen to slowly make its way from the palace towards the Square. As the procession got closer, the 50 th Ooni of Ife was seen in the middle accompanied by his brother Obas from all over the country.
It was a colourful royal procession. The Ooni was regally attired for this great occasion. He was wearing a rich robe whose design suggested that this modern Ooni was determined to establish a unique sartorial style. The beaded crown on his head glowed and reflected the light of the sun on this bright and sunny Saturday in December. He carried a tall staff, not unlike that of Biblical Moses. Everyone seemed to want to catch a glimpse of the latest in the royal line of the Dynasty established by Oduduwa.
Ooni Sijuwade took measured but elegant steps to the grand stand amid a standing ovation and shouts of “Kabiyesi, Kabiyesi”. Everyone remained standing until the Ooni got to his throne and the ceremony formally began with the playing of the National Anthem – another indication of how the society had changed since the last coronation. As another concession to modern society, the primate of the African Church of Nigeria, The Most Revd. J. A. Ademulegun said the opening prayers.

The speech concluded, the Governor paused momentarily then commenced the presentation of the staff of office:

"Whereas a vacancy occurred in the ruling house chieftaincy of Ooni of Ife in the area of authority of Oranmiyan Local Government on the 2nd of July, 1980 and whereas in accordance with the provisions of section II oj the chiefs law chapter 19 and the approved and registered declaration of the cus tomary law regulating the selection of a person to be the leader oj the ruling house chieftaincy of Ooni of Ife.
The kingmakers on the 7th day oj August 1980 declared Prince Okunade Sljuwade appointed as the Ooni oj Ife, which appointment -was subsequently duly notified. Now therefore, I, Bola Ige, the governor of Oyo State of Nigeria hereby declare in exercise of the power conferred by subsection one of section sixteen oj the chiefs law chapter nineteen and by virtue of all other powers enabling in that behalf the appointment of Prince Okunade Syuwade as the Ooni of Ife in area of authority of the Oranmiyan local government by the governor in council on the 17th day oj September 1980, given under my hand and the public seal of Oyo State of Nigeria this 3rd day of December 1980." ­
As His Royal Highness rose in his majesty to deliver his address, the crowd grew ecstatic. The applause was unending. When it quietened, Kabiyesi's voice rang out in greetings and salutations welcoming all and sundry to the ancient city. He alluded to the last coronation fifty years back and paid glowing tribute to the memory of his predecessor, the revered Oba Adesoji Aderemi KBE.
He then proceeded to thank the kingmakers, chiefs, state officials and all connected with the evet. He ended on a very strong note, rededicating himself "to the service of Ife, of the State, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all of Yoruba Speaking people all over the world".
"This torch" he said "is handed on to me by a hand that I know. I shall hold it high in service to the people. I shall not let it fall. Its light shall not fail... And thus the new Ooni ascended the throne and a new era bega.

Finally returnig to the palace well after dark.

Coronation Speech of Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse ll delivered 0n Saturday, December 6, 1980

It is with the greatest pleasure that I and my people welcome you to this occasion in the an­cient city of Ife, the place from where the sun rises, the place where history began. Half a century ago. Ife witnessed an occasion of this kind when my immediate and revered predecessor, late Sir Adesoji Aderemi was crowned. May I at this juncture pay tribute to his illustrious memory.  His long reign was peaceful and full of solid achievements for Ife and the Yoruba race in particular, and Nigeria as a whole. A giant among the traditional rulers of this country, a veteran nation builder, late Sir Adesoji Aderemi was a source of pride to, and a fountain of inspiration for all Ifes and most especially to myself and indeed the entire people of Nigeria. May God grant him eternal life.

It is of some importance to point out that ascension to the throne of Ife should not be controversial as it is of the most central significance for the entire Yoruba people at home and abroad.

I like therefore, to salute the kingmakers of Ife, who were unanimous in their decision to select me to sit on this great and most ancient throne. More importantly, I warmly salute His Excellency, Chief Bola Ige, the Governor ofOyo State and his executive council for their prompt decision in accordance with the Chieftancy Laws ofOyo State.

I wish to seize this opportunity to thank my well-wishers all over the world and above all, I thank the entire people of Ife for their love and support. This new life is for me a call to duty, a call to the service of our people. Whatever personal sacrifices may be involved cannot be nearly as great as the tremendous challenge ahead.

Nobody anywhere doubts the central importance of Ile-Ife in the history of the West African sub-region. Ife is the cradle of the Yoruba-speaking people throughout the world; indeed the origin of homo sapiens. The great Oduduwa lived here. We today are treading on the grounds upon which he treaded. The dynastic ramifications of Oduduwa's descendants both within and outside Yorubaland are very well-known.

Eighty­eight years ago (in 1892), my grandfather Ooni Olubuse I ascended this throne and reigned till 1910. He championed the struggle that welded together the warring factions here and re-established Ife unity. The point here is that each age, indeed each reign, is confronted with its own peculiar problems which it tackles using the materials and methods of its times.

My grandfather lived up to the challenges of his times. Bearing the brunt of warfare , he decidely destroyed strife and established the basis of an enduring peace in its place. He was succeeded by Ooni Ademiluyi who perfected the peace building in a way which he believed it should be.

Late Sir Adesoji Aderemi once told me in England on his way to the United States of America that my grandfather was a great inspiration for him and that was part of why he decided to become Ooni of Ife.

The late Sir Adesoji Aderemi contributed enormously to the progress of this town and you can see many of the good things he has done in Ife among which was the establishment of the great University of Ife.

Today our challenge is not less nor can our determination and dedication be less than the highest, just because we have no internal warfare or human aggressive forces against which to contend.

I am very much aware of the importance of the sacred position which all traditional rulers of the nation hold. We are hearing whispers from certain quarters to the effect that traditional offices should be abolished. People cannot live meaningfully, in dignity and in pride, without a clear identity; a recognisable heritage, all of which attributes derive from a coherent past which is symbolised by the traditional offices.

Among the leading and modern nations of the world, Britain and Japan among several others have seen it fit to preserve their royal families while accommodating the needs and demands of an unprecedented technological age, and as a matter of fact, even in a country like Thailand where you have the military in power, they still maintain their King as head of the entire nation.

I am happy and all lovers of their cultural heritage join me in acclaiming the governments of Nigeria and the government of Oyo State for the growing policy of restoring high respect for traditional office holders as an essential part of our national ethos.

Traditional rulers know very well that, in socio-political environmental terms,' and indeed, even in physical terms they live in a very much changed world from that of our ancestors. Recognising the changed and still rapidly chang­ing societies we live in, it is pertinent to note that there is no group at a very esteemed level of society and who are to be found nation-wide who by their office ought to and can be above partisan politics other than the traditional rulers. I like to warn that a society in transition like ours is a very delicate society which will always stand to benefit from the role which traditional rulers are so fitted to playas" impartial. non partisan mediators of rapid change in such a way as to preserve the soul of our society and minimise inter-group frictions.

Coming back home to Ife, I wish to say a few words about the all important task ahead of us in all aspects of human endeavour. The fame of Ife through the centuries has been built, all other things apart on the fact that in times of great antiquity. Ife developed as a great urban civilisation towering above others in these parts of the world. It was the focal point of political, social and economic success, the centre of a flowering of ideas and artistic expression.

The challenge to all Ifes at home and abroad today is the challenge of history. The struggle today must be on the social and economic fronts. It calls for vigorous action. To that action, I completely dedicate myself. My call to all Ifes is a call to action, a call to revolution in the social and economic transformation of this ancient city.

Having retired from private business, my vocation and duty henceforth is to see that we all do good business together for this city for this State and for our nation. Charity begins at home. The best help is self-help. There is nothing I can do without the active support and co-operation of all of you. I want to assure this distinguished assembly that the Ife people will rise to the challenge like one man.

We are merely at the threshold of realising our potentials and we have not attempted to exploit our available resources of cocoa, timber, gold and if possible oil. In addition to promoting industries, we in Ife must solve the problem of urban sprawl, decay and blighted state of our city - a problem which is universal all over our country and which must be faced in this decade to raise the living stand­ard of our people.

We count on all our friends and well-wishers to rally round us in our endeavours. Ife is HOME for you all. We count on the support of the state and federal governments. By their .attendance or this occasion and the warm reception given to my appointment, our friends throughout the world and the governments of our great country have demonstrated their love for, and confidence in the success of this city.

The time for action has arrived; very soon, we shall produce a development programme and we confidently look forward to all of you to play your parts well.
Now, to my brothers,  the Emirs,  Obis,  Obas,  etc. from all over the federation, I extend very fraternal greetings of welcome. Our task is enormous and cannot all be adequately accomplished working in mutual isolation. We have many problems in common. Modernity does not in any way imply abandonment of our heritage, so we all have a lot of work to do

To the people of Nigeria, young and old, I appeal for a rededication of ourselves to preserving the unity of the country. In saying so I wish us to remind ourselves that this is a young nation.

It stands in need of builders with a sense of commitment, builders with a vision of nationhood and a sense of history. I must stress that this country must pull together, utilising our diversified resources. Our nation cannot be great if any part or any group is built at a glaring expense of the others. May God help us all to help our country.

Finally, I wish to honour the memory of our ancestors on whose inspiration we have returned to the throne. I declare that the era that ended in 1910 will resume in Ife. In that year, Olubuse I departed to join his ancestors. On 17th September 1980, he was being reincarnated to continue his reign and fulfill further aspects of his mission.


In concordance with this wish, I will be known and addressed henceforth as OBA ALAlYELUWA OKUNADE SIJUWADE, OLUBUSE II, OONI OF IFE.

With this declaration,  I re-dedicate my life to the service of  lfe, of  Oyo State, of  the Federal Republic of Nigeria and of all Yoruba speaking people all over the world. This torch is handed on to me by a Hand That I Know. I shall hold it high in service to the people. I shall not let it fall. Its light shall not fail. May the gods of our fathers bless you all.

PAST OONIS OF IFE

1ST ODUDUWA
   
2ND OSANGANGAN OBAMAKIN
3RD OGUN
4TH OBALUFON OGBOGBODIRIN
5TH OBALUFON ALAYEMORE
6TH ORANMIYAN
7TH AYETISE
8TH LAJAMISAN
9TH LAJODOOGUN
10TH LAFOGIDO
11TH ODIDIMODE ROGBEESIN
12TH AWOROKOLOKIN
13TH EKUN
14TH AJIMUDA
15TH GBOONIJIO
16TH OKANLAJOSIN
17TH ADEGBALU
18TH OSINKOLA
19TH OGBORUU
20TH GIESI
21ST LUWOO (FEMALE)
22ND LUMOBI
23RD AGBEDEGBEDE
24TH OJELOKUNBIRIN
25TH LAGUNJA
26TH LARUNNKA
27TH ADEMILU
28TH OMOGBOGBO
29TH AJILA-OORUN
30TH ADEJINLE
31ST OLOJO
32ND OKITI
33RD LUGBADE
34TH ARIBIWOSO
35TH OSINLADE
36TH ADAGBA
37TH OJIGIDIRI
38TH AKINMOYERO
1770-1800
39TH GBANLARE
1800-1823
40TH GBEGBAAJE
1823-1835
41ST WUNMONIJE
1835-1839
42ND ADEGUNLE ADEWELA
1839-1849
43RD DEGBINSOKUN
1849-1878
44TH ORARIGBA
1878-1880
45TH DERIN OLOGBENLA- He was a powerful warrior!
1880-1894

46TH ADELEKAN (OLUBUSE I)- He was the first Ooni to travel outside Ile-Ife to Lagos in 1903 when he was invited by the then Governor General to settle the dispute involving Elepe of Epe. All Yoruba Kings including the Alaafin left their respective thrones as a mark of respect for the Ooni. They returned to their respective stools after Ooni returned to Ile-Ife from Lagos. Oba Adelekan Olubuse was nicknamed 'ERIOGUN'; Akitikori; Ebitikimopiri.
1894-1910

47TH ADEKOLA
1910-1910

48TH ADEMILUYI (AJAGUN)- He also was reputed to be a powerful Monarch.
1910-1930

49TH ADESOJI ADEREMI- Very intelligent with good foresight, he was invited to be minister without portfolio when he ruled from 1951 to 1955. He was the first indigenous governor of Western Nigeria. One of his most laudable achievements was the establishment of the GREAT University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) at Ile-Ife.
1930-1980

Oba Aderemi (The first African Governor in the British Empire and Commonwealth) and Sir Winston Churchill at a meeting in London
 
CURRENT OONI OF IFE


50TH
OKUNADE SIJUWADE- He is the grandson of Olubuse l (The 46th Ooni) from Ogboru Ruling Family. Some describe him as 'the Royal Eagle', Elegant, Self-confident, well-informed and hardworking.

As the father of all, civic activities occupy most of his time.


1980 Til 28th July 2015

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