The ancient town of Ido-Osun in Osun State was on Saturday, May 24, 2025, aglow with cultural splendour as the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, crowned Oba Olayinka Isola Jokotade Ilufemiloye II as the 47th Olojudo-Alayemore of the town.
The historic coronation ceremony attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, including the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, as well as dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora, all gathered to witness what has been described as a new dawn for Ido-Osun.
Speaking at the event, Ooni Ogunwusi reaffirmed Ile-Ife as the spiritual and ancestral home of all Yoruba people, emphasizing that every legitimate crown within Yorubaland traces its origin to the throne of Oduduwa in Ife.
“All 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,” the Ooni said while placing the crown on Oba Ilufemiloye’s head.
He also praised Governor Adeleke for his continued support to the traditional institution in Osun State, noting that the governor has demonstrated exemplary leadership and inclusiveness.
Governor Adeleke congratulated the new monarch and described the enthronement as a product of due traditional processes, adding that the time for division was over.
“This is a moment for reconciliation and development. Kabiyesi, I urge you to be a father to all and unify every faction within Ido-Osun. Our state’s progress relies on peace and cooperation,” the governor said.
He also encouraged residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and supportive of government initiatives, particularly in the areas of tax compliance and community development.
In his first royal address, Oba Olayinka Ilufemiloye II thanked Governor Adeleke for his unwavering support and pledged to lead with justice, vision, and compassion.
“My reign will be anchored on education, healthcare, and international development to eradicate poverty. Our town will grow into a beacon of hope—our own London,” the new monarch declared.
He also paid glowing tribute to the Ooni of Ife, describing him as the undisputed spiritual leader of the Yoruba race. He dismissed debates over the Ooni’s preeminent status as distractions driven by ignorance and disunity.
“Those questioning Baba Ooni’s leadership are jesters. No Yoruba kingdom exists without roots in Ile-Ife. You cannot be the father of your own father—except you’re a bastard,” Oba Ilufemiloye said pointedly.
Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee and federal lawmaker, Hon. Bamidele Salam, described the occasion as a cultural rebirth and expressed confidence in the new monarch’s ability to inspire development and unity.
The ceremony climaxed as the Ooni, in full royal regalia, personally crowned Oba Ilufemiloye II and inducted him into the Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, in an official statement, said the coronation marked the beginning of a new chapter for Ido-Osun—one rooted in history, led by wisdom, and powered by divine grace.
