Oka-Akoko in the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State came alive on Saturday, October 26, 2024, as the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi CFR, Ojaja II, made a historic visit to the ancient town.
This royal courtesy visit to the Olubaka, Oba Dr. Adebori Adeleye, OON, highlighted the longstanding ties between Ife and Oka-Akoko.
The arrival of the Arole Oodua and his white-clad entourage added a vibrant air to Oka land, with colorful cultural displays and performances lining the path from Iwaro Junction to the Olubaka’s Palace.
The Ooni demonstrated humility, making a brief stop in the town center to acknowledge residents who had waited for hours, showing gratitude for their warm welcome before continuing to the palace.
Reflecting on the purpose of his visit, the Ooni explained that it was driven by his strong bond with the Olubaka, as well as a desire to celebrate their shared heritage.
“The Oka people are descendants of Oduduwa, and Baba is gracefully aging, I had to visit and see how he’s doing.” He said.
The Ooni praised the Olubaka’s leadership and his commitment to preserving Yoruba culture, calling him a dignified and admirable leader.
He urged all Yorubas to cherish and promote their culture globally, emphasizing, “Our culture is rich, and it’s essential for us to pass on its values to our youth.
My message is that as ‘Omo Oduduwa,’ we should stay united. This visit is part of my mission to reinforce our unity, not to assert superiority, but to work together to improve lives for the younger generation.”
He admired the Olubaka’s resilience, noting his nearly 40 years on the throne, and prayed for similar grace in his own reign.
Welcoming the Ooni, the Olubaka expressed gratitude for the visit, describing it as the second time an Ooni had visited him.
He recalled that the late Ooni Okunade Sijuwade had inaugurated the construction of the current Olubaka’s Palace in 1990, a testament to the enduring bond between Ife and Oka.
Flanked by his wife, Queen Adejumoke, the Olubaka noted, “This visit reflects the depth of connection between Oka and Ife, which is why our people are called ‘Omo Okarufe.’”
The event included a ceremonial exchange of gifts, notably a wooden sculpture representing a long-serving Ooni from approximately 10,000 years ago, symbolizing the deep history of the Yoruba people.
Notable sons and daughters of Oka land gathered to welcome the Ooni, including Senator Ajayi Boroffice, the Bobagunwa of Oka land; Dr. Victor Ategbole, the Akogun of Oka land Hon. Gbenga Omole, the Iyalaje of Okaland, Alhaja Bolaji Kayode among others.
The event underscored a shared commitment to unity and cultural heritage.
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