..Omo Okarufe connotes our shared bond with Ile-Ife, says Olubaka

By Mary Agidi

All roads led to Oka-Akoko in the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday, October 26, 2024, as the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi CFR, Ojaja II, made a historic entry into the ancient town in a courtesy visit to the Olubaka, HRM Oba Dr. Adebori Adeleye, OON.

The grand entry of the Arole Oodua into the community, accompanied by his white-clad entourage, transformed the atmosphere of Oka land with various cultural displays and performances, starting from the community’s entrance at Iwaro Junction to the Olubaka’s Palace in Oke-Oka.

Demonstrating a high level of humility, the Ooni made a stop in the heart of the town  to acknowledge residents who had left their businesses and waited for hours to welcome him before he proceeded to the Olubaka’s Palace.

According to the Ooni, the people of Oka are descendants of Oduduwa, and his decision to visit the Olubaka was based on his strong relationship with the Olubaka. “Baba is gracefully aging, and I had to pay him a visit and see how he is doing,” he said.

He praised the Olubaka’s leadership style and his efforts to promote Yoruba culture and heritage, describing him as a dignified and admirable personality.

He urged Yoruba descendants to continue cherishing and promoting their culture worldwide, saying, “That is how you can instil values into the younger population. Yoruba culture is very deep, and my message to us Yorubas is that, beyond our nickname ‘Omo Oduduwa,’ we should be united. This visit is part of a unity mission, encouraging us to work together as a team rather than claiming superiority over one another. It is crucial for us to be united and recognize our strengths to improve life for our youth.”

He expressed admiration for the grace bestowed upon the Olubaka, who is in his eighties and has been on the throne for about 40 years, praying for similar grace in his own life.

Welcoming the Ooni to Oka land, Oba Adeleye described the visit as the second time an Ooni had visited him. He recalled that the construction of the current Olubaka’s Palace was flagged off by the late Ooni Okunade Sijuwade in 1990, emphasizing that the visit of Ojaja II signifies the long-standing relationship between the two traditional institutions.

Joined by his elegant wife, Queen Adejumoke, the Olubaka expressed gratitude to Ooni Ogunwusi, stating, “This shows the depth of the relationship between Oka and Ife, which is why Oka people are called ‘Omo Okarufe.’

Highlights of the event included an exchange of gifts between the two royal leaders. Notably, a wooden sculpture of a legendary Ooni who ruled about 10,000 years ago was presented to the Olubaka.

Notable sons and daughters of Oka land from far and near gathered to welcome the Ooni, including Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, the Bobagunwa of Oka land; Dr. Victor Ategbole, the Akogun of Oka land; Hon. Gbenga Omole; and others.