Ooni arrives, begins coronation rites

The Ooni-elect of Ile Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Wednesday arrived the ancient town amidst fanfare to begin rites of ascension to the throne of his forefathers.

The Ooni who arrived with armed security personnel, stopped at the Ife toll gate to greet the chiefs led by the Lowa of Ife.

The streets were lined with school children, market women, motorcycle riders and other residents of the town.

In spite of the huge crowd, the Ooni-elect took time to acknowledge cheers from the waiting crowd by raising his right hand several times to greet his subjects.

He proceeded to the residence of the Obalufe to pay homage before proceeding to his compound of the Giesi Ruling House where he is to be installed as Sooko.

It was gathered that the Ooni-elect could not legitimately ascend the throne unless he was first initiated into the cult of the Sookos, since he had not previously been a member.

Secretary of the Giesi Ruling House, Adelowo Ogunleye, said the new Ooni will bear the title of Ojaja II, during his reign.

He explained that the Ojaja family is a part of the Giesi ruling house.

“The Kabiyesi has promised to to further the development of Ife and provide jobs for the unemployed,” he said.

“I am sure he will state the rest himself when he is finally installed.”