By Seun Ibiyemi
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has been honoured with the title “Emperor of Yoruba Kings in Africa and the Diaspora” by Yoruba traditional rulers operating under the umbrella of Apapo Oba Yoruba in Africa and the Diaspora (AOYAD).
The recognition was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ile-Ife by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare.
According to the statement, the title was conferred on Oba Ogunwusi by Yoruba monarchs across Africa and the diaspora, including traditional rulers from the Republic of Benin, where the association is based.
The royal presentation of the honour was received by the Ooni at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
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President of the association, Adehoumi Kiffouli, who is also the traditional ruler of Illaso Kingdom in Benin Republic, described the Ooni as a unifying symbol of the Yoruba people globally.
Kiffouli said the honour was bestowed on the Ooni in recognition of his tireless efforts in promoting Yoruba culture, heritage and unity among Yoruba descendants across Africa and the diaspora.
He added that the monarch had demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment toward strengthening bonds among Yoruba traditional institutions beyond national boundaries.
According to him, the title also reaffirms the historic and spiritual position of the Ooni as the natural father and rallying point of the Yoruba race worldwide.
Responding, Oba Ogunwusi expressed appreciation to the visiting traditional rulers for the recognition, describing the honour as one that belongs not only to him but to the entire Yoruba race.
The Ooni noted that the recognition would further strengthen ongoing efforts aimed at fostering unity, cultural revival and socio-economic collaboration among Yoruba people both within Africa and in the diaspora.
He also emphasised the need for sustained cooperation among traditional rulers across Yoruba-speaking communities and beyond, stressing that unity remains the greatest strength of the Yoruba race.
The monarch offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage among communities worldwide, while reaffirming his commitment to promoting harmony among traditional institutions across Africa.
