Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, to seek the monarch’s support in strengthening ties between Africans in the diaspora and their ancestral homeland.
Soyinka was accompanied by a delegation of scholars and cultural advocates, who were warmly received with traditional songs, drums, and royal hospitality.
According to a statement released by the Ooni’s Palace, the visit highlighted the growing desire among Africans in the diaspora, particularly Afro-Brazilians of Yoruba origin, to reconnect with their history, ancestors, and cultural identity.
Professor Wale Adeniran, former Deputy Leader of the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement, said, “The Africans in diaspora want to know their roots, their ancestry, and the cultural heritage that binds us together. And we find it very important to come to the custodian of that origin, the Ooni of Ife for his blessing and support.”
The Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, also praised the Ooni for his humanitarian interventions, recalling how he “rescued over 2,000 distressed Yoruba migrants from Libya by providing financial support, shelter, care, and empowerment opportunities upon their return to Nigeria.”
He described the monarch as “a father to all and a defender of the vulnerable,” whose influence extends from Europe to North America.
Speaking during the visit, Soyinka stressed the urgency of reconnecting diaspora Africans with their roots, saying, “If we do not take decisive steps now, it may take much longer to rebuild this bridge. When they come home, they can contribute to economic, cultural, and intellectual development. But above all, their deepest desire is to rediscover their origin.”
In response, the Ooni commended Soyinka’s lifelong dedication to Yoruba cultural identity and unity.
He also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renaming the Lagos National Theatre to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, calling it “a well-deserved honour that celebrates Soyinka’s monumental contributions to literature, human rights, and Yoruba heritage.”
The monarch added, “We are always delighted to receive you in Ile-Ife. It is clear that this divine assignment aligns with your calling, and we will work together to strengthen the bond between our people and their descendants abroad.”
“On behalf of the entire Yoruba race and the Ooni-in-Council, we express our profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for honouring an icon like you. You remain our pride.”
The visit concluded with the Ooni presenting Professor Soyinka with sacred Ife bronze artifacts, symbolic gifts in recognition of his efforts in promoting cultural unity and fostering connections between Yorubas at home and abroad.
