The Natural Head of the Yoruba race and Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council(SNTRC)of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, has crowned Oba Olayinka Isola Jokotade Ilufemiloye II, as the 47th Olojudo-Alayemore of Ido-Osun in Osun State.
The historic coronation, held on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, attracted an array of traditional rulers, political dignitaries including the stateโs governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, community leaders, and proud sons and daughters of Ido-Osun from across Nigeria and the diaspora. It marked not just a royal enthronement, but also a profound celebration of Yoruba heritage, cultural pride, and a reaffirmation of the age-old bond between Ile-Ife and Ido-Osunโwhose progenitor migrated from the cradle of Yoruba civilization several centuries ago.
Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, who is a member of The National House Representatives, Abuja, Hon. Bamidele Salam, hailed the occasion as a moment of cultural rebirth.
He emphasized that the youthful monarch’s energy and intellect will serve as catalysts for the townโs advancement. โThis is a testament to our vibrant cultural heritage. We are committed to working hand in hand with His Majesty to ensure that Ido-Osun witnesses monumental development.
“We beseech Oba Ilufemiloye II to uphold justice, fairness, and equity throughout his reign, and to hold infrastructural development in the highest esteem,” Salam said.
ADELEKE CALLS NEW KING FATHER OF ALL
The Executive of Osun State, HE Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, who personally graced the occasion, extended heartfelt congratulations to the new Olojudo and applauded the traditional rulers of the state.
He noted that the selection process adhered strictly to age-long traditions and protocols, thereby ensuring wide acceptance and legitimacy. โThe period of contest is over. Now is the time for unity. Kabiyesi, I urge you to see yourself as a father to all, and to embrace all factions in the spirit of reconciliation and inclusive development,โ he said.
He called on citizens of Ido-Osun to remain peaceful, responsible, and tax-compliant, promising that the government would continue to respond to their needs. โLet no one among you be used for any act that will threatens the peace and tranquility of our dear state. Our future depends on stability, and we must all work together to secure it.โ
NEW KING PRAISE ADELEKE, SAYS OONI’s NUMBER 1 YORUBA POSITION UNQUESTIONABLE
In his royal speech, the newly coronated king, Oba Olayinka Ilufemiloye II, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Adeleke, describing him as a pillar of support for Ido-Osun.
โI extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, Asiwaju Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, for all he has done for our people. Our town shall become a beacon of hope that will transcend to a ‘London’.
My reign will be anchored on education, healthcare, and international development to eradicate poverty. Let us work together as one family. Forward ever, backward never,โ the monarch declared.
Oba Olayinka showered praises on the Ooni for his charismatic leadership of the traditional institution in Yorubaland urging him not to be distracted by the senseless superiority hullabaloo created by people with polluted history of the Oduduwa race.
“Baba Ooni, we really thank you sir for coming to crown me as the 47th Olojudo Alayemore today. Your natural overall leadership on the entire Oduduwa race is unquestionable those who are disgruntled about your number 1 position in our race are nothing but jesters. They will always fail because there no Yoruba man, town or kingdom without Ile-Ife as it’s or his origin and that settles the hullabaloo. Son cannot claim to be the father of his own father except he’s a bastard. No wonders they are being faced now with serious law of karma” Respect Ooni to be respected and disrespect Ooni, junior kings will also disrespect you. That is what is happening to them right now.”
He concluded with a note of assurance to the people of Ido-Osun: โLove, peace, tranquility, harmony, unity, and progress will be the cornerstone of our administration. There is still much to be discussed for the progress of our land, and those will be handled discreetly.โ
The highlight of the event came when the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, personally placed the crown upon the head of Oba Olayinka Ilufemiloye II, declaring him as 47th Alayemore of Ido Osun and a member of the Osun State Council of Obas & Chiefs.
OONI LAUDS ADELEKE FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT
“I want to thank His Excellency on behalf of all crown bearers in Osun for his relentless efforts to develop Osun state and he has been carrying the traditional institutions along in his strives to move Osun forward. care of all royal leaders including me”. The Permanent chairman of SWTCN said
โAll the crowns emanated from the throne of Oduduwa in Ile-Ife, and that is why I am privileged and honoured to place the crown on you today.โ Arole Oduduwa concluded
The coronation of Oba Olayinka Isola Jokotade Ilufemiloye II thus ushers in a new era for Ido-Osun where tradition and transformation coexist under the leadership of a monarch chosen by history, guided by wisdom, and empowered by divine grace.
Signed:
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.
