It is with immeasurable grace and in her recognition of her committed propagation and protection of the cultural heritage of the kingdom of Ife and Yoruba in general that The Arole Oodua and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has considered Princess Eyinade Adelekan worthy of the traditional chieftancy confirment as the Ekeje Iyalode of Ile-Ife.
Ooni Ogunwusi sees the UK based home grown Princess Eyinade as a round peg in a round hole to occupy the revered position of Ekeje Iyalode of Ile-Ife, the town global believed to be cradle of mankind. This historic installation which comes up on Saturday 6th, October, 2018.at the Ooni’s Ile-Oodua Palace at Ile-Ife will according to the African foremost monarch remain such a momentous occasion marking a new dawn towards the reconstruction of not just Ile-Ife but also the Yoruba Culture by strengthening the immense contributions of several unsung heroines in Yoruba nation and Africa whose lives are worthy of emulation and celebrations.
The global civilization that indisputably began from Ile-Ife (the cradle of humanity) recognizes historical, unique and enviable roles of women as fountains that dispensed well-established more values, sustained local economy, entrepreneurship skills, leadership and governance.
His Imperial Majesty (H.I.M) Ooni Ogunwusi affirms that, “today brings us back into the memory lane of the heroines that fought and defended the culture, heritage, values and identities of Yoruba nation and global world and it has also become imperative to celebrate our all esteemed women, young and old who are touch bearers for the reawakening and reconstruction of Yoruba culture, its socio-economic development and empowerment endeavours through various creative enterprises. They are equally the forerunners of its peace and unity”.
Consequently, this installation is a landmark achievement for all women and a sense of recognition of their illustrious and distinguished contributions to the greatness of Ile-Ife, Yoruba race and Africa at large. It is not a celebration of the pump and pageantry, but a recognition of the sterling contributions that you all have bequeathed the Kingdom of Ife. The Arole Oodua and the Progenitor of Oduduwa blesses you all during this historical installation of Ekeje Iyalode of Ile-Ife. This day is historical and it is very priceless to The Royal Court of Ife and it will be accorded the maximum preservation it deserves in the annals of our history.
Ooni Ogunwus therefore enjoins the New Ekeje Iyalode Of Ife, Princess Eyinade Alake Adelekan to see this as a call to service, charging her to always disseminate the virtues of love and godliness, discharge the full responsibilities of her office with great wisdom and integrity by fostering peace, unity and harmony amongst all women even as she is very capable of promoting the rich Yoruba heritage and the development of various socio-economic initiatives’ for women empowerment.
As she bears from the day forward the illustrious legacy of Ekeje Iyalode of Ile-Ife, Ooni Ogunwusi once again offers his congratulates Princess Eyinade Adelekan prays the Almighty Olodumare will grant her spiritual insight, astute, and grace that she needs to advance further development and boundless richness for Yoruba women from Ile-Ife and to all part of the globe.
