Encomium
Ooni-elect, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who is currently in Ilofi (seclusion), undergoing traditional rites perquisite to his ascendancy of the highly revered throne is reportedly worshipping all the Yoruba deities. Not only that, the 40-year-old mogul is also being initiated into several cults as part of the rites before being crowned as the paramount ruler of the ancient kingdom.
Ogunwusi, an insider revealed is disengaged from his immediate family at the moment. And his interaction is restricted to the four walls of Ilofi located at the outskirts of the town, and he is only being allowed to relate with the Isoros and kingmakers until he is done with his initiation rites.
Ogunwusi is also said to have been mandated by tradition to worship all Yoruba deities, including Ogun, Sango, Oya, Osun, Obalufon and head of them all, Obatala which must be worshipped for five days without which he couldn’t complete his rites.
“It’s true the new Ooni must worship all Yoruba deities, including Ogun, Sango and Obatala before coming out of the seclusion. It’s a must for every Ooni because the stool itself is a deity.
“Now, he has no traditional right to see anybody, including members of his immediate family apart from the Isoros and kingmakers. It’s not a child’s play. But I learnt he will be out on or before November 21, 2015.”
Asked to comment on the rumour that Ogunwusi will have to swallow the heart of the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade before being crowned as new Ooni, he reacted, “There is nothing like that. Although, I am not a kingmaker, that makes me unable to comment on that. All I know is that things like that are mysteries about obaship in Yoruba land and such remain with the obas till they join their ancestors.”
ENCOMIUM Weekly’s efforts to confirm the story from one of Ife kingmakers, Chief Jaaran of Ife, Chief Adekola Adeyeni proved abortive as he only asked us to call back when we got across to him on Monday, November 9, 2015. But when we called him back, he said he was busy.
“I am busy now, call back, please.”
