OONI UPDATE: Yoruba, a Great Race, Says Buhari as Ooni Confers Odole–Oodua Title on Adebutu
By Shola Akingboye, Abuja – October 19, 2019
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has finally conferred the title of Odole-Oodua on Sir Kessington Adebutu at his palace in Ife, Osun State, as President Mohammadu Buhari on the occasion described Yoruba as a great race that would always promote and reward excellence in people.
Buhari said this while congratulating Adebutu, the President said whoever that a race decides to promote must have done enough to earn such honour, saying the choice of Adebutu as the new Odole Oodua bore eminent testimony to the greatness in the Yoruba race.
A statement by Buhari’s Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said the President
felicitated with family members, friends and business associates of Sir Adebutu on the title, which was held in the past by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Meanwhile, speaking during the coronation rites for Adebutu, Buhari, who was represented by the Minister for Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola described Yoruba ethnic group as great in Nigeria, saying “before somebody can be conferred with Odole Oodua title, such a person must be eminent and he must have contributed immensely to humanity and the society.”
According to Buhari, “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 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 help the poor and the needy in society. As the holder of this title, 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.
Buhari also congratulated the wives of the businessman, Dame Caroline Adebutu and Yeye Kofoworola Adebutu, who were also conferred with the titles, Yeyemode-Oodua and Yeyerewa-Oodua, respectively.
Among dignitaries at the occasion are the ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Military Vice President, Oladipo Diya led dignitaries to Ile Oodua Palace of the Ooni of Ife, for the coronation on Saturday.
Other dignitaries at the well-attended ceremony were Lagos, Ogun and Osun State Governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun and Adegboyega Oyetola. Ex-Ogun governors, Gbenga Daniel and Segun Osoba were also at the event.
Others were; Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Bode George, Sinatu Ojikutu, Ex- Lagos Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro, among others.