You’ve Reinforced Ile-Ife’s Place As Cradle Of Yoruba Culture — Satguru Maharaj Ji Celebrates Ooni Ogunwusi At 10th Coronation Anniversary
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – SATGURU Maharaj Ji, Founder of the One Love Family, has joined eminent personalities in Ile-Ife, Osun State, to celebrate the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The spiritual leader described the monarch’s decade on the throne as “a blessing to Yorubaland and Nigeria,” applauding the Ooni for promoting unity, peace, and cultural renaissance across the country.
Speaking about the colourful ceremony, which drew top political, traditional, and cultural figures, Maharaj Ji praised the Ooni for his unwavering commitment to the preservation of Yoruba identity, heritage, and spirituality.
He noted that Oba Ogunwusi’s reign has rekindled global interest in Yoruba civilisation and further reinforced Ile-Ife’s position as the cradle of Yoruba culture.
The event was attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, among other dignitaries—a turnout Maharaj Ji described as reflective of the Ooni’s wide-ranging influence.
Maharaj Ji also urged traditional rulers to strengthen their commitment to cultural and traditional institutions, which he warned are being eroded by foreign influences.
He described these institutions as “the bedrock of societal order and ancestral wisdom,” adding that reinforcing traditional leadership is crucial to restoring Nigeria’s moral and cultural foundation.
He extended greetings to leading Yoruba monarchs, including the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Abimbola Qwoade; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye.
He commended their efforts in preserving history and promoting peace across their domains.
Maharaj Ji also congratulated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her installation as the Yeye Ashiwaju Iye Oodua by the Ooni during the celebration. He described the honour as recognition of her leadership and contributions to cultural revival in Nigeria, urging her to continue championing initiatives that promote women empowerment and African family values.
In his remarks, Maharaj Ji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his diplomatic engagements, particularly his recent interventions in the Benin Republic and efforts toward strengthening stability in the sub-region.
He encouraged the President to work more closely with traditional rulers, noting that sustainable development depends on cultural harmony and grassroots engagement.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to embrace what he described as “Divine Knowledge,” urging citizens to unite in rebuilding the nation and unlocking its economic and cultural potential.