The gods have made their choice, the Government of Osun State has given their approval and now the traditional rites which will last for 21 days have begun.
The rites began yesterday, October 28, 2015, with the triumphal entry of the Ooni-elect, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the 40-year old property merchant who has been chosen as the 51st Ooni of Ife and successor to the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
Attired in a white lace, with a purple cap that sat well on his head and two long purple beads dancing around his neck, Ogunwusi who was making his first official visit to the ancient kingdom as the Ooni-elect, arrived in grand style. He rode into Ile Ife in a 2015 Bugatti, accompanied by over 50 cars, friends, family members, well wishers and his soon-to-be subjects waving and smiling. And praying for his reign to be long, peaceful and prosperous.
Received first at Ajebanbele, around Ife toll gate and Ibadan Expressway, his family handed him over to the palace chiefs and from there to the Monotan home of an elder of his Giesi Ruling House. Sasa River was also visited where he performed one of his first traditional rites. Likewise Obalufe of Iremo’s palace for some spiritual exercise.
He then departed for his family compound in Agbedegbe where he was installed as Sooko of Giesi. Then, Igbo Oro for additional rites. Winding up his day at Ilofi, at the end of his 21-day rites, he will now mount the throne of his fore fathers, with Obadio, the leader of Isoro cult, overseeing the rites of initiation and other rituals.
And the whole of the ancient kingdom of Ile Ife in Osun State will now rise in unison to say Kabiyesi oooooooooooo!