African Union Simulation names Ooni of Ife grand patron of traditional institutions

The Africa coordinator of the African Union Simulation and Director of Parliament for Africa, Caribbean & Pacific Joint Sessions, Ambassador Young Piero Omatseye, has led a high powered continental delegation to the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife to officially inform Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, of his nomination as the grand patron of the traditional institution in Africa ahead of the upcoming Africa Day celebration scheduled to hold in Abuja.

In a statement released Friday by the Director, Media and Public Affairs in Ooni’s palace, Otunba Moses Olaf are, said Ambassador Omatseye noted that the purpose of the visit was to extend a formal invitation to the revered monarch and to notify him of his official nomination as the Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa, a continental honour in recognition of his leadership and cultural influence across the African continent.

“We are here today on behalf of youths and leaders across 54 African countries to inform His Majesty that Africa Day will be commemorated through a blend of cultural traditions, training expeditions, and youth empowerment initiatives.

“Ooni of Ife, being a natural symbol of tradition, unity, and visionary leadership, has been unanimously nominated as the Grand Patron of the traditional institution in Africa,” Ambassador Omatseye stated.

He further disclosed that the Africa Day celebration will feature participation from African Heads of State, Ministers, Resident Ambassadors in Nigeria, global partners, and experts in the fields of agriculture, energy, economic, innovation and technology, all coming together to engage and empower the youth.

Highlighting past initiatives, Ambassador Omatseye recalled that Her Regal Majesty, Amb. (Dr.) Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, graced a similar empowerment event hosted at the African Union Headquarters, in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia last year, underscoring her dedication to youth development and African unity across Africa.

In her remarks, Her Regal Majesty Amb. (Dr.) Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi expressed gratitude to the African Union Simulation for the honour bestowed upon her husband. She lauded the organization for recognizing the Ooni’s relentless commitment to youth empowerment and community development through his numerous initiatives, particularly the Hope’s Alive Initiative and the annual Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF).

“My husband’s throne has become a platform for youth transformation across Africa. This prestigious nomination affirms the values he champions for the betterment of young Africans. We deeply appreciate this recognition,” she said.

In response, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the continental honour.

Identifying himself as a youth on the throne of Oduduwa, he emphasized that his reign is anchored on elevating the youth of Africa.

“I thank the entire delegation and African youth who have traveled from across the continent to present this honour. I pray for the success of the Africa Day celebration and assure you of my support and presence, God willing,” the Ooni declared.

The visit concluded with the presentation of an official nomination plaque to the Ooni of Ife, symbolizing his new role as Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa.