Adebutu Kessington emerges 4th Odole of Ife
Businessman and philanthropist, Chief Adebutu Kessington (Baba Ijebu), has emerged the Odole of Ife, a title last held by the late legal icon, Chief G.O.K. Ajayi.
Making the announcement in Ile Ife on Wednesday while speaking to journalists, Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, explained that the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, would confer the title on Adebutu in October.
Before the late Ajayi was made Odole by the immediate past Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade, late Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was Odole, having been installed by the late Sir Adesoji Aderemi, the 49th Ooni of Ife.
On the significance of the title, Olafare described Odole as a special office that worked closely with the Ooni in rallying the descendants of Oduduwa wherever they were in the world for unity, peace and progress of the race.
He added, “The Odole Oodua, a position once occupied by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and subsequently by Chief G.O.K Ajayi, is a highly revered chieftaincy in Yorubaland pioneered by the great Oranmiyan while he was still a Prince of Ife.”
Olafare noted the choice of Olafare was arrived at after considering his philanthropy, positive contributions to human development, and promotion of cultural values and traditions of Yoruba race.
“All the necessary rites attached to the installation are being observed ahead of the installation ceremony slated. The kings, high chiefs and chief priests are atop the coronation rites, which will reach the climax on the eve of the event in October 2019,” Olafare said.
