…Laud Ooni Over Selection
Eminent Nigerians including Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, have sent felicitations to business mogul, Princess (Dr.) Toyin Kolade, ahead of her installation as the Iyalaje of Oduduwa Race worldwide (Iyalaje Oodua) by the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
In a statement on Wednesday by the Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare, who doubles as Secretary of the Installation Planning Committee, Ooni Ogunwusi had earlier, about three months ago announced the selection of Princess Kolade as the Iyalaje Oodua, who will be officially installed on Saturday July 17, 2021 at the Ile Oodua Palace of the Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife.
In their separate congratulatory letters, the eminent personalities, who described Princess Kolade’s appointment as the insertion of the right peg in the right hole, lauded the Ooni over such excellent appointment.
Felicitating with the celebrant, the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Bello, in statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Folasade Arike Ayoade, described Iyalaje Kolade as an inspiration to the Yoruba people, the larger Oduduwa race globally and Nigeria as a country.
She said, “Iyalaje Oodua, the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, is proud of you. We want to use this medium to wish you may more years of peaceful reign and greater heights. I pray that God Almighty will grant you a robust health, wisdom and grace needed to meet up with the demands of this exalted title.”
In the same vein, the immediate past governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described Princess Kolade as a repecter of the prestigious traditional institution.
Amosun said, “This is a well-deserved chieftaincy title, considering the many positive impacts you have made in business, cormrnunily service and in other spheres of human endeavors.
“Let me also add that your contributions to the propagation of the culture and tradlition of Yorubaland, particularly through the annual Aje Festival Celebrations in lle-Ife under your coordination, have been exemplary.”
Similarly, the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the senator representing Lagos West senatorial district, Senator Olamilekan Solomon, the lawmaker representing Surulere federal constituency II, Hon. Shoyinka Abiola Olatunji and the Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Nigerian Content, Hon. (Arc.) Ibrahim Hamza, rejoice with the Iyalaje-designate in their separate letters.
Just like her husband, former First Lady of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs.) Olufunso Amosun, in her words said, “This chiettaincy title is yet another feather to your already adorned cap. You have been a worthy ambassador of the womenfolk – always exhibiting zeal, passion and selflessness about the development of our society and humanity in general.
“Your nomination for this exalted title of lyalaje Oodua (worldwide) is a well deserved honour, which epitomises the many giant strides you have recorded in business and in other spheres of human endeavours. The annual Aje Festival Celebrations in Ile-lfe, which you have been coordinating, speaks volumes about your contributions to the propagation of the culture and tradition of Yorubaland.”
Others who have felicitated with the Iyalaje Oodua include: a leading commercial bank in Nigeria, Zenith Bank, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, and Occupation Safety and Health Association, OSHA.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Installation Committee of Iyalaje Oodua and Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, His Rotal Highness, Amb. Olusegun Aderemi, has announced the rites lined up for the history-making event, which begins on Thursday.
According to the committee chairman, the Iyalaje Oodua will be received at Ilero spot, at Iremo road, Ile-Ife, by the cultural women – Obinrin Ilero, and the Ooni’s traditional aides – Emeses, to perform the Ilero rites, and would from there be led to the palace – Ile Oodua – to pay traditional obeisance to the Arole Oodua, before being taken to the sacred Yeyemolu well for blessings.
She will afterwards return to Ilero spot – Iremo – where she will be received by the Chief Priests – Isoros – of Ilero for further rites.
Saturday, July 17, 2021, will start with the movement of Isoros and Iyalajes of different markets to the Aje temple at Oja Ife – Oja Ejigbomekun – where the Iyalaje would join them in company of Emeses, seven horses and her guests.
She’ll then be dressed traditionally as the Iyalaje Oodua and be prayed for, to be able to discharge optimally in the lofty capacity.
Afterwards, she’ll be led to the palace by the Isoros and Emeses in company of her guests. She’ll be received at the palace’s entrance – Enugeru – by Ife High Chiefs, who will then take her to the Temple of Wisdom – Ogun Laadim – within the palace courtyard for blessings.
At the Temple of Wisdom, she will get the traditional installation leaves – Ewe Akoko. She’ll then be taken to where she’ll be received by the Ooni, who would announce her as the Iyalaje Oodua and continue with other phases of the installation.
The grand reception and other social aspects of the installation ceremony will later hold at the Ojaja Arena, a 3,000-seater MICE Centre, located within the premises of the Ife Grand Resort and Industrial Park, Ife/Ibadan Road, Ile-Ife, due to be officially commissioned on Friday.
