The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairma, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) Arole OODUA Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II on Tuesday played host to the Nobel Laurel, Professor Wole Soyinka who had paid a courtesy visit to him at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife to discuss the ongoing project of symbolic return of the Africans in Diaspora, particularly from Brazil to Africa, Nigeria in particular.
Soyinka commended the foremost Yoruba king at his relentless efforts at reconnecting Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland, particularly those of Yoruba descent in Brazil and other parts of the universe.
“I am very much committed to the success of the project and I must thank you Kabiyesi for all your efforts so far. You actually inspired me to join this project which is now being supported by Nigerian and Brazilian governments. The Africans in diaspora want to know their roots, their ancestry, and the cultural heritage that binds us together. And we find it very important to come to the custodian of that origin,the Ooni of Ife for his blessing and support.”
Prof. Wale Adeniran who was on the entourage of the visiting Nobel Laurel further praised the Ooni for his continuous support for diaspora communities, especially Yoruba descendants in Brazil who trace their cultural identity directly to Ile-Ife.
Similarly, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, commended the Ooni for his humanitarian interventions across the world.
He recalled how the Ooni rescued over 2,000 distressed Yoruba migrants from Libya by providing financial support, shelter, care, and empowerment opportunities upon their return to Nigeria, emphasizing that the Ooni’s influence and benevolence extend across continents from Europe to North America where he has consistently supported Africans, especially the Yoruba, describing him as
“A father to all and a defender of the vulnerable.”Obalufe said.
In his remarks, Wole Soyinka highlighted the growing desire among Africans in the diaspora particularly Afro-Brazilians of Yoruba origin to reconnect with their history, ancestors, and cultural identity.
He emphasized the importance of educating them on the historical realities of slavery and fostering unity that encourages their return to their ancestral home, Ile-Ife.
According to him, “If we do not take decisive steps now, it may take much longer to rebuild this bridge. When they come home, they can contribute to economic, cultural, and intellectual development. But above all, their deepest desire is to rediscover their origin.”
Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race globally lauded Professor Soyinka for his lifelong dedication to strengthening Yoruba cultural identity, unity, and global recognition.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renaming the Lagos National Theatre to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, describing it as a well-deserved honour that celebrates Soyinka’s monumental contributions to literature, human rights, and Yoruba heritage.
The Ooni added, “We are always delighted to receive you in Ile-Ife which is your ancestral home, It is clear that 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 our profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for honouring an icon like you. You remain our pride.”
To conclude the visit, the Ooni presented Professor Wole Soyinka with sacred Ife bronze artifacts symbolic gifts in recognition of his lifelong work in promoting cultural unity and strengthening ties between Yorubas at home and abroad.
