Ile-Ife on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, witnessed another historic moment as Chief Sunday Omoniyi Obiyinka, Jagun Agbaoye and Otun-designate of Ife, received his official appointment letter from the Ooni of Ife, confirming his forthcoming installation as the Otun of the Source—a title last held by the late former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, who was conferred with it about 20 years ago by the late Ooni Okunade Sijuwade in 2009.
During the brief but symbolic ceremony at Ile Oodua Palace, Chief Obiyinka, Managing Director of Extension Publication Limited, expressed deep emotion, describing the honour as a homecoming rooted in his ancestral ties to the cradle of the Yoruba race. He noted that although he had declined several chieftaincy titles across Yorubaland and beyond, none compared to the prestige of a title from Ile-Ife.
The Alara of Ara Kingdom, who led Obiyinka’s entourage, announced January 4, 2026, as the approved date for the installation, while dignitaries including former Ogun State Speaker Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi applauded the Ooni for the honour.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, said the installation forms part of his 10th coronation anniversary and aligns with a broader cultural rebranding initiative to elevate Ile-Ife’s global profile. He explained that the title “Otun of the Source” represents one of the closest confidants of the throne, recalling that the late Alao-Akala was the last to hold the position.
The Ooni added that African leaders—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ghana’s President-elect Dr. John Mahama—are expected to attend the ceremonies.
The official notification letter described Obiyinka as a pan-African leader whose humanitarian service, commitment to peace, and democratic ideals make him worthy of the honour.
With the announcement formalized, Ile-Ife now looks ahead to January 4, 2026, when Chief Sunday Omoniyi Obiyinka will be installed as the new Otun of the Source, succeeding the late Otunba Alao-Akala.
