The ancient town of Ido-Osun in Osun State witnessed a majestic cultural renaissance on Saturday, as the Ooni of Ife and Natural Head of the Yoruba race, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, personally crowned Oba Olayinka Isola Jokotade Ilufemiloye II as the 47th Olojudo-Alayemore of the town.
The coronation, held amid pomp and ceremony, attracted an illustrious gathering of traditional rulers, political dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts, and indigenes from across the globe. Among the dignitaries present was the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, who offered his blessings to the new monarch and hailed the process as peaceful and traditional.
“The period of contest is over. Now is the time for unity,” Governor Adeleke declared. “Kabiyesi, I urge you to see yourself as a father to all. Embrace all factions and work for inclusive development. The government stands with Ido-Osun on its journey toward progress.”
The Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam, who also serves in the National Assembly, described the installation as a “moment of cultural rebirth.” He noted that the youthful monarch’s energy and intellect would drive development across the town.
“This 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,” Salam said. “We beseech Oba Ilufemiloye II to uphold justice, fairness, and equity throughout his reign.”
In his royal acceptance speech, Oba Olayinka Ilufemiloye II expressed deep gratitude to Governor Adeleke for his support, declaring that his reign would prioritize education, healthcare, and global partnerships to uplift the town.
“Our town shall become a beacon of hope that will transcend to a ‘London’,” the monarch said passionately. “Let us work together as one family. My reign will be anchored on unity, progress, and poverty eradication. Forward ever, backward never.”
The monarch also commended the Ooni of Ife for bestowing legitimacy and honour upon the stool of Ido-Osun. He dismissed ongoing supremacy controversies in Yorubaland, declaring:
“Baba Ooni, your leadership of the Oduduwa race is not in question. Those who challenge your authority are jesters with a polluted understanding of our heritage. Every Yoruba crown emanates from Ile-Ife—sons cannot claim to be fathers of their own fathers unless they are bastards.”
“Respect Ooni to be respected,” he added. “Disrespecting him will only lead junior kings to disrespect you in return. What is happening to them now is the law of karma.”
In the defining moment of the event, the Ooni personally placed the crown upon Oba Ilufemiloye II’s head, officially declaring him the 47th Olojudo-Alayemore and a member of the Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
“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 stated. “I thank His Excellency, Governor Adeleke, for his support to traditional institutions across the state.”
Oba Ilufemiloye II ended his speech with a message of hope: “Love, peace, tranquility, harmony, unity, and progress will be the cornerstone of our administration. Ido-Osun’s time has come, and we will rise together.”
