OONI INSTALLS ‘BABA-IJEBU’ KESSIGNTON ADEBUTU AS NEW ODOLE OODUA
The new Odole Oodua, popularly called ‘Dodondawa afterwards danced the iconic Odole dance before the cheering crowd who clapped in admiration, accompanied by his wives; Chief (Mrs.) Dame Caroline Oladunni Adebutu and Chief (Mrs.) Kofoworola Aminat Adebutu who were also installed as Yeyemode Oodua and Yeyerewa Oodua respectively.
The Yoruba High Chief had first visited the ancient Oranmiyan groove (Igbo Eeede) where he was taken through series of traditional rites by the Oranmiyan chief priest, Oba Isoro Omiwenu before he returned to the Mile Oodua palace of the Ooni to pay homage to the Arole Oodua and equally receive blessings from him.
Penpushing further reports that, Odole Oodua is a special office pioneered by Oranmiyan when he was a Prince in Ile Ife before he eventually became a King during his lifetime, a prestigious position designed from time immemorial for the purpose of assisting the Ooni in the task of rallying all peoples of Oduduwa origin wherever they are across the world for unity, peace and progress.
The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari while speaking at the ceremony described Yoruba ethnic group as great in Nigeria, stresses that “before somebody be conferred with Odole Oodua title, such a person must be eminent and he must have contributed immensely to humanity and the society’.
Penpushing also reports that, Buhari who was represented by Rauf Aregbesola, Minister for Interior said, “I am happy that Sir Kessington Adebutu is being conferred with this title today and I pray that his reign as Odole Oodua would be eventful’.
‘ I am sure you know the significance of this title bearing in mind great Nigerians, including the late sage and former Premier Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former Attorney General of the Western Region, late Chief G.O.K Ajayi, who in the past held the title of Odole Oodua’.
“We were aware of the positive impacts of these past two Odole Oodua. They ensured that there was a healthy relationship between Yoruba and other tribes in Nigeria. But I believe that you (Adebutu) would do more than that.
“You have been a philanthropist, who usually helps the poor and the needy in society. As the new Odole Oodua, you should provide exemplary leadership as you have always been. I want to remind our traditional rulers to be agents of peace, unity and development in their respective domains.
“We must all strive to preserve and promote our cultural heritage. I want to commend the Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja IIfor leading the vanguard of monarchs promoting our cultural values. As Odole Oodua, you should play an active role in promoting Yoruba cultural heritage and values.”
Penpushing further reports that, notable dignitaries at the event include; former President Olusegun Obasanjo , Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Governors Dapo Abiodun, , Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Oyetola; former governors of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel , Senator Oluremi Tinubu
The list also include; Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu; Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Otunba Gani Adams and General Oladipupo Diya (rtd),Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji(founder Penpushing Media) among others.
Penpushing reports that, traditional rulers in attendance include; Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, Oba Ayangburen of Ikorodu among others.
The Editorial Board of Penpushing Media also on the dignitaries list include; Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji(Founder),Funke Fadugba(Chairman) Eddy Aina(member and former Director National Broadcasting Commission), Dr Goke Rauf(member and Director School of Communications, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta) and Barrister Benjamin Ogunmodede(Legal Consultant)
The activities marking the ceremony commenced on Friday with the unveiling of the Oodua Heritage House located at the Ooni’s palace followed by a welcome dinner at the banquet hall of the palace, while on Saturday morning, Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare at a press briefing disclosed the significance of the position of Odole Oodua with respect to the procession to Igbo Eede which is the Oranmiyan’s abode saying his jurisdiction is beyond Yorubaland.
“The new Odole will work for all the descendants of Oduduwa globally because the house of Oduduwa is not limited to Yorubaland. Baba Adebutu will any moment from now precede to the Oranmiyan Groove called IGBO EEDE where he will be taken through several traditional processes like Oranmiyan who pioneered the Odole Oodua tittle did’, Olafare was quoted saying before the ceremony.
‘Baba Awolowo and Baba GOK Ajayi did the same. He will be equipped with necessary instruments of before returning to the palace where he will first be at the Ogun Laadin shrine to receive Ogun’s blessings before moving to the inner chamber of Ile Oodua for the final blessings of assignment from the Arole Oodua Oonir’isa and be made to dance the iconic Odole dance like it was done for his predecessors including the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief G.O.K Ajayi.
These rites are must commence his task as a substantive Odole Oodua, before being sent to the world to work for the unity and progress of Yoruba people and the larger Oduduwa race worldwide”. Olafare disclosed
Penpushing also reports that colourful ceremony was spiced by several traditional performances by different cultural groups after which the Juju king, Sunday Adegeye popularly known as King Sunny Ade entertained the guests with good music.
