The ancient city of Ile-Ife witnessed another historic moment on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025 as the Jagun Agbaoye and Otun of Ife designate, Chief Sunday Omoniyi Obiyinka, paid a homage to the Ile Oodua Palace of the Ooni to receive his official Appointment letter confirming his forthcoming installation as the Otun of the Source.
Chief Obiyinka, who is the Managing Director of Extension Publication Limited, expressed deep emotion and gratitude during the brief but symbolic ceremony. He noted that his ancestral ties to Ile-Ife run through both his maternal and paternal lineages, describing the visit as a homecoming ordained by destiny.
“I might not be living in Ife today but Ife is the blood that runs in my vein,” he declared passionately.
He further revealed that although he had been offered chieftaincy titles by several traditional rulers across Yorubaland and parts of Hausa and Igbo communities on different occasions, he consistently turned them down, believing that no honour could be more prestigious than a title from the cradle of the Yoruba race.
“I have always desired the chieftaincy of the Source. It is superior to any other title, and I am deeply grateful that Oonirinsa has found me worthy,” he said, offering prayers for greater strength, long life, wisdom and good health for the Ooni of Ife.
The Alara of Ara Kingdom, who led the entourage accompanying Chief Obiyinka, thanked Oonirinsa for honouring his longtime friend and confirmed that December 4, 2026, has been officially approved for the installation ceremony.
Also speaking at the event, the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi joined in appreciating the Ooni and prayed for continuous peace and progress in Ile-Ife.
In his royal response, the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, emphasized that the upcoming rounds of chieftaincy installations are part of a broader cultural rebranding initiative designed to further elevate the global image of Ile-Ife.
He revealed that several African leaderrs including the president of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu with his wife Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu and President of the Republic of Ghana Dr John Mahama, are expected to grace the ceremonies.
Ooni Ogunwusi, Chairman, Soutmonarch gave historical context to the significance of the title:
ola Ah“The Otun of the Source signifies the closest medally of Oonirinsa; one who dines and deliberates with the throne. The late Governor Alao-Akala, a close confidant of Ooni Sijuwade, was the last to hold this dignified title,” Ooni Ogunwusi noted.
He also assured that the ongoing road construction projects within Ile-Ife will soon usher in unprecedented development and economic progress for the city.
Concluding his remarks, the Ooni offered heartfelt prayers for Chief Obiyinka, blessing his new journey as a principal figure of the Source.
The official Letter of Notification, signed by Oonirisa, reads in part:
“I write with great delight to inform your esteemed personality of the decision of the Ife Traditional Council under my supreme leadership to dignify and install you as the Otun of the Source.
“Your installation is a core part of my forthcoming 10th coronation anniversary and is predicated on your exemplary leadership, pan-African vision, steadfast commitment to peace, democracy and continental unity. Your life of selfless humanitarian service has inspired generations across Africa, and it is on this basis that you are found worthy.”
With the official announcement now made, all eyes turn to December 4, 2026, when Chief Sunday Omoniyi Obiyinka will be formally installed as the Otun of the Source; an honour steeped in history, culture and royal prestige.
Conferred on him about 20 years ago by the immediate past Arole Oduduwa Ooni Okunade Sijuwade,CFR, Olubuse II, tate Ogbomosho born former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao Akala is the immediate past Otun of Ife to be succeeded by Obiyinka on the 4th January 2026.
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