The Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Alberta, Canada, for their hospitality and support while reaffirming his commitment to strengthening cultural and traditional ties between the Palace of the Ooni and African diaspora communities across Canada.
The monarch’s message was delivered by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, at the historic Oodua Global Concert held on June 26 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Werklund Centre in Calgary. The event was organised by the Okin International Cultural Association Canada.
Speaking on behalf of the Ooni, Olafare conveyed the monarch’s gratitude to the Alberta Provincial Government and the people of the province for the warm reception accorded to the royal delegation.
He particularly appreciated Danielle Smith for her welcome message to the palace and commended Rajan Sawhney for her exceptional support in handling protocol arrangements for the delegation.
Olafare, however, explained that unresolved protocol challenges beyond the control of the Alberta Provincial Government prevented the Ooni from travelling with his full entourage and attending the concert in person.
According to him, despite the setback, the monarch ensured he was represented by a high-powered delegation comprising members of the Ife Royal Family and senior palace officials, assuring members of the Yoruba community and other African diaspora groups in Alberta that he would visit the province once the outstanding issues were resolved.
The Ooni also extended his greetings to Yoruba sons and daughters living in Alberta, singling out Calgary-based medical practitioner, Dr. Akin Osakuade, for sponsoring and organising the concert. He also commended the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary, the Yoruba Foundation of Calgary and Edmonton, the Okin Cultural Association and other cultural organisations for ensuring the success of the event.
He further praised members of the planning committee, including Dr. Akin Osakuade, Joshua Apesinola, Mrs. Kemi Adeyemi, Derick Obafemi Greer and others, for their dedication in bringing together descendants of Oduduwa residing in Calgary and other parts of Alberta.
Highlighting the monarch’s global cultural diplomacy efforts, Olafare said the Ooni had, since his ascension to the throne in 2015, pursued initiatives aimed at reconnecting Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral roots in Ile-Ife through cultural exchange and engagement.
He noted that the monarch had previously visited Canada on three occasions, covering Toronto and Ottawa, and expressed optimism that Calgary and Alberta would host the Ooni during a future visit.
The event also featured a live performance by Afro-pop star Adekunle Gold, whose performance thrilled guests and members of the African diaspora community in attendance.
The Nigerian delegation included Sooko Laekun of Ife and Head of the Princes of Ife, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Princess Foladade Ogunwusi-Fadairo and Otunba Moses Olafare. The delegation later toured the scenic mountain town of Banff before returning to Nigeria via Washington, D.C..
