•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN – THE House of Oduduwa, Ile-Oodua, has announced the elevation of Alhaji Chief Sakariyau Ayinde Awojoodu from the position of Yegbata (Olori Emese) of the Emese Court to the revered title of Jaran of Ile-Ife.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Chief Lowa Abraham Adekola Adeyeye, in accordance with the directive of His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) and Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC).
Expressing gratitude to God and appreciation to the Ooni, Alhaji Awojoodu—fondly called Allah Dey by friends and associates—described his promotion as a profound honour and a renewed call to service.
“I give thanks to Almighty God for taking me this far; it has not been easy, but His grace has sustained me,” he said.
“I also extend my sincere appreciation to our Baba, the Oonirisa, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, for recognizing my contributions to the palace, the throne of Arole Oduduwa, and the general development of Ile-Ife. I am deeply grateful for this elevation, and I promise to do even more in service to humanity.”
•A Four-Decade Journey Through the Emese Ranks
Alhaji Chief Awojoodu, also known as Haji Mimo, began his palace career in March 1985 following the death of his father, Baba Lowa Kasali Awojoodu, on February 27, 1985. He was inducted as a young Emese to fill the vacancy left by his father.
The Emeses serve as the royal guards of the Ooni, trained extensively in palace tradition and cultural rites to support the monarch within and outside the palace.
Over the course of 40 years, Chief Awojoodu rose through the hierarchical ranks—starting as an Emese, then Loodoko, later Yegbata (Olori Emese), a title he held for about a decade—until his recent elevation to Jaran.
“It took me 40 years to get here. Some of the people I started with are no more, and even some who came after me have passed on. It is by God’s grace that I remain,” Alhaji Sakariyau reflected.
•Service Across Eras of the Throne
Known for his loyalty, humility, neatness, and generosity, Chief Awojoodu served as a personal assistant to the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, for many years.
During Oba Sijuwade’s reign, he played significant roles in reforms that reshaped the monarchical hierarchy, including the upgrading of several Baales to Obas in various Ife communities—efforts that earned him admiration at home and abroad.
A retired primary school administrator, he served in various schools across Osun State and was once Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ife South Local Government chapter. He remains one of the most respected aides of the Ooni.
•The Significance of the Jaran Title
The Ooni of Ife is traditionally advised by sixteen high chiefs—“Ijoye Merindinlogun lo n ba Olufe gbimoran”—with the Jaran being one of the key voices expected to play critical roles in decision-making at the apex of Ile-Ife’s traditional institution.
•A Celebrated Elevation
Since the official announcement, friends, family, and well-wishers have flooded the new Jaran with congratulatory messages, praying for long life, sound health, and continued service to the sacred throne of Oduduwa.