Acceptance Speech
Coronation Address of His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II
Spiritual Home of All Yoruba
I am humbled, grateful and overwhelmed by the trust reposed in me by the kingmakers, the traditional rulers, the government of Osun State, the federal government of Nigeria, the generality of the Yoruba people, and indeed all well-meaning people of Ile-Ife, to emerge as the 51st Ooni of Ife.
I am conscious of the enormous responsibilities that go with this sacred position as the Arole Oduduwa — the heir to Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race. I therefore promise to be a worthy custodian of the throne of our forebear. I shall not fail Oduduwa, I shall not fail the Yoruba people, I shall not fail Nigeria, and I shall not fail Africa.
Ile-Ife is the spiritual home of all Yoruba people wherever they may be in the world. As the Ooni of Ife, I accept the solemn responsibility of being a unifying figure for all Yoruba people — in Nigeria, in the diaspora, and across the African continent.
Redressing the Situation
My first charge will be to heal the wounds of disunity that have weakened our people. I call upon all Yoruba traditional rulers, political leaders, and community stakeholders to join me in forging a new covenant of unity. A house divided against itself cannot stand.
I shall work tirelessly to promote peace, mutual respect, and cooperation among all Yoruba kingdoms, sub-groups, and communities. Ile-Ife will serve as the rallying point — the sacred heartland from which the winds of Yoruba renaissance will blow across the continent.
The economic development of Ile-Ife and the empowerment of our people will be at the centre of my reign. I come to the throne with the experience of over 12 years in enterprise and development. I shall bring that experience to bear in partnership with all levels of government, the private sector, and our diaspora communities worldwide.
Touching Experiences
I am moved by the outpouring of love and support I have received from every corner of Yorubaland and beyond. From the youngest child to the oldest elder, from the villages of Osun State to the great cities of the world — the warmth of the Yoruba people has sustained me through this sacred transition.
To my fellow traditional rulers: I come to you not as a superior, but as a brother and a colleague in service to our people. Let us work together in the spirit of Oduduwa — the first among us — who taught that the strength of the Yoruba lies in our unity.
To the youth: you are the reason I ascend this throne with hope in my heart. The Yoruba people are a great people, and our greatest years lie ahead. I am committed to unlocking the potential of every young Yoruba person — wherever they may be on this earth.
The Promise Kept
Ten years after this speech, the record speaks for itself — peace, cultural diplomacy, economic development, and youth empowerment on a continental scale.
Explore the Reign →