Return Of Africans In Diaspora Takes Center Stage As Ooni Hosts Prof. Wole Soyinka
•••Lauds President Tinubu For Renaming National Theatre In His Honour
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN – THE Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on Tuesday received Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, with discussions centred on the ongoing project for the symbolic return of Africans in the diaspora, particularly Afro-Brazilians to their ancestral homeland.
Prof. Soyinka, who was on a courtesy visit, commended the Ooni for his relentless efforts in reconnecting Africans abroad with their cultural roots, noting that the initiative has gained the support of both the Nigerian and Brazilian governments.
“I am very much committed to the success of this project, and I must thank you, Kabiyesi, for all your efforts. You actually inspired me to join this project,” Soyinka said.
“The Africans in diaspora want to know their roots, their ancestry, and the cultural heritage that binds us together. It is important that we come to the custodian of that origin the Ooni of Ife for blessing and support.”
The Nobel Laureate emphasized the increasing desire among Afro-Brazilians and other Africans abroad to reconnect with their history and identity. He stressed the urgency of strengthening these cultural bridges to foster unity and encourage their return to Ile-Ife, regarded as the cradle of Yoruba civilization.
“If we do not take decisive steps now, it may take much longer to rebuild this bridge,” he warned. “When they come home, they can contribute to economic, cultural, and intellectual development. But above all, their deepest desire is to rediscover their origin.”
Prof. Wale Adeniran, who accompanied Soyinka, praised the Ooni for consistently supporting Yoruba descendants in Brazil who trace their lineage directly to Ile-Ife.
Similarly, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, applauded the Ooni for his humanitarian interventions across the world. He recalled how the monarch facilitated the rescue and rehabilitation of over 2,000 distressed Yoruba migrants from Libya, offering them financial support, shelter, and empowerment upon return.
According to him, the Ooni’s influence and benevolence extend across continents, including Europe and North America, where he has continually supported Africans in the diaspora. He described the Ooni as “a father to all and a defender of the vulnerable.”
Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide lauded Prof. Soyinka for his lifelong commitment to promoting Yoruba cultural identity and unity. He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renaming the Lagos National Theatre as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, describing the gesture as a “well-deserved honour.”
“We are always delighted to receive you in Ile-Ife, your ancestral home,” the Ooni said. “This divine assignment aligns with your calling, and we will work together to strengthen the bond between our people and their descendants abroad.”
“On behalf of the entire Yoruba race and the Ooni-in-Council, we express profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for honouring an icon like you. You remain our pride.”
A highlight of the visit was the presentation of sacred Ife bronze artifacts to Prof. Soyinka. The Ooni described the gift as a symbolic recognition of the professor’s lifelong dedication to promoting cultural unity and strengthening ties between Yoruba people at home and abroad.