Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fasola, business mogul, Tunde Ponle among other creme de la creme of the society gathered in Ile-Ife on Thursday for the 50th birthday celebration of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The first class monarch’s golden jubilee anniversary was held in grand style and aside from the presence of various political office holders, traditional rulers and top corporate world leaders also stormed storm the ancient city to celebrate with his Imperial Majesty.
While former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, commissioned Ojaja cinema located inside the Ojaja Arena as part of the birthday activities, Governor Adeleke led the cake cutting event in honour of the monarch.
Former Vanguard Managing Director and Provost, Gbenga Adefaye and Bisi Olatilo led media gurus to the event as Chief Tunde Ponle of MicCom Golf led captain of industries to the Ojaja Grand Resort, the venue of the well attended ceremony.
Speaking at the palace, Fashola described Ooni as a pride of the Yoruba race, saying his pursuit of unity among Oduduwa descendants globally is unprecedented.
Addresing Oba Ogunwusi specifically, Fasola said, “Kabiyesi, your nine years of ascension to the great Oduduwa throne has brought glory to the race. Your pursuit of unity among Oduduwa descendants across the world is remarkable.
“We, your subjects are proud of you, we love and appreciate your dedication to preserving Yoruba cultural heritage. Kabiyesi, we love you.”
In his remarks at the birthday grand finale, Governor Adeleke described Ooni Ogunwusi as peace loving monarch whose passion for development of Nigeria and welfare of youth is unrivalled.
Speaking at the inauguration of the cinema, the frontline monarch who noted that the bigger plan is to build one of the biggest film and talent discovery city in Ile-Ife, explained that reputable institutions of learning including the Ojaja University, Eyenkorin Kwara State, which he owns will be engaged in cultivating a beneficial town-gown relationship.
The traditional ruler said, “My direct interaction with young Nigerians particularly on our campuses revealed to me that the country has not fully tapped into their potentials. I am glad that our Afrobeat music has become an asset across Africa and beyond but I am confident that we can do more in the global entertainment arena especially by telling our stories through cinema and films.
“Just imagine the number of employment that can be generated from a successful movie presentation, musical display and its like. These are the advantages associated with the entertainment industry, it will equally boost the country’s economy and generate huge foreign exchange.”
Other prominent dignitaries at the event included Osun State Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, Senator Olubuyi Fadeyi, Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro, Osun House of Assembly Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, former Speaker, Timothy Owoeye, former Deputy Governor, Osun, Grace Titi-Ponle and Labour Party Governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
Some of the traditional rulers in attendance included the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor, Elegushi, Oba Saheed Ademola, Oniru of Lagos, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan, Olowu-Kuta, Oba AbdulHameed Oyelude among many others.
