The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi,
Ojaja II, has concluded plans to confer the prestigious chieftaincy title of Odole
Oodua on Sir Adebutu Adebukunola Kensington.
The first of such conferment by the Ooni since his
ascension to the throne as the 51st Ooni in the 3rd dynasty of Ife about four
years ago will take place on the October 19, 2019, at the Ile-Oodua, the Ooni's
palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Speaking on Wednesday at a press conference in Ile-Ife,
the monarch said the Odole is a special office which works closely with the
Ooni in rallying the descendants of Oduduwa wherever they are in the world for the
unity, peace and progress of the Yoruba race.
The Odole Oodua, a position once occupied by late
Chief Obafemi Awolowo and subsequently by Chief G.O.K Ajayi, is a highly
revered chieftaincy title in Yoruba land pioneered by the great Oranmiyan while
he was still the prince of Ife. Oranmiyan served as a rallying point and
stabilising force among the powerful empires within the expansive Oduduwa
territory before becoming the Ooni of Ife after his exploits, which cut across
Benin and Oyo kingdoms where he established his royal dynasties which have been
in existence till date.
Historically, the office has its roots in the
remarkable roles played by Oranmiyan, the great ruler of old Oyo and Benin
kingdoms. Oranmiyan was virile, bold, adventurous, circumspect, dutiful and at
the service of his other siblings.
He stood as an effective link between them. It was
his commitment to a united Oduduwa family that is referenced in the fragment of
his panegyric ‘Akantunkansi or As'otuns'osi, akinn'ile akinl'ogun’ (the great
link to both sides, the brave both at home and at war”. Even though both Benin
and Oyo kingdoms were at a point most powerful domains within the expansive
Oduduwa territory, Oranmiyan ensured that they never overran each other.
Etymologically, ‘Odole’ is derived from the
expression ‘Odo ile Oodua’ (the youth in the house of Oduduwa). It is a
contraction of the expression adopted as a title to perpetuate the ideal of
internal cohesion for which Oranmiyan stood for in the Oodua family of the
ancient days.
The traditional title of the Odole of Ife has been
retained as part of Ife's social and political system and specially conferred
on distinguished Oodua descendant, who in present days, can replicate the roles
played by Oranmiyan.
In the contemporary history of the Oodua people,
the late sage, Awolowo, who later held the title of Asiwaju Ile-Oodua, which
has since been left unfilled till date, was the first to be honoured with the
title after Oranmiyan. The second holder of the title was the late Chief Ajayi.
Kensington is the third in the line.
Like his predecessor, Kensington exemplary life,
achievements and awesome potential for positive social transformation were
crucial factors in his consideration for the prestigious position.
From a very humble background to a life of a
successful businessman of national and international repute, a philanthropist
of rare breed and a social reformer of distinction, Kensington has emerged as
the most suitable candidate for the position. He hails from Iperu Remo in Ikene
Local Government Area of Ogun State.
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