I’ll prostrate for my son if occasion de­mands says, Ooni’s father

The father of Ooni, Prince Aderopo Ogunwusi, has said that he will prostrate for his son if occasion de­mands.

He spoke against the back­drop of the taboo that forbids father to prostrate for his son in Yorubland.

In an interview with Sunday Sun, the retired On-Air-Person­ality of the Osun State Broad­casting Corporation (OSBC) said: 

‘There is no cause for alarm. Even though the Yoruba culture forbids that father should prostrate for his son, the position of an Ooni is a powerful one that he must be adored, respected by all and sundry’’.

Asked whether he would prostrate for his son, he said: 

‘’Why not? It is a must and let me tell you that when occa­sions arise that I should do so, I will gladly do so the way other young and old will prostrate for him. It is his office and tradition that we are respecting and we will continue to do so’’

Pa Ogunwusi, who expressed delight that the new Ooni under­stands the rich culture of the Ife people said: 

‘’I am happy that he understands the rich culture of Ife people even before his election. I think destiny too has prepared him for this assign­ment even long before his birth.

He added: 

“As it has been reported, he exhibited greatness since birth and followed it up till the moment providence be­stows on him the responsibility of occupying the royal seat of his forebears. May God be with him. We thank God for this. it is an honour to the Ogunwusi family, the Giesi Royal House and the entire people of Ile-Ife, particularly the youths. Yes, he may be young, but his wisdom is more than his age. May God bless him more with the wisdom of Solomon to pilot the affairs of this our ancient town’’

While praying for a peaceful and long reign, the elder Ogunsanwo advised his son to see his new position as a call to serve the people of Ife in particular and the mankind in general.

Meanwhile, prominent indi­genes of Ife have urged the new Ooni to use his exposure and connection to bring industrial development to the town.

One of such personalities was his uncle, Prince Olufemi Adekitan Ogunwusi. “It is my wish and prayers that Enitan brings resounding industrial de­velopment to Ile Ife. I am of the hope that through this, many of our unemployed youths would be gainfully employed.

The head of the Giesi Royal Family, Baale, John Modupe Fadehan, who expressed de­light at Adeyeye’s emergence as Ooni enjoined him to join hands with the state government to tackle the high rate of unem­ployment in the town.

“Yes, I want him to do every­thing within his power to pro­vide employment for Ife people, the way he has done in some of his businesses outside the town. May God help him this. This is paramount for the many youths in this town.

“He can’t do it alone. We must rally round him so that he can succeed as our king. The task of developing Ife is enor­mous. He needs the support of all and sundry. May God guide him aright in his vision for our great town.’’

Former Chairman Ife East Local Council, Chief Gbenga Owolabi, who expressed de­light at the emergence of the new king, urged him to bring rapid transformation to the an­cient town.

“I charge the new Oba to take advantage of his youthful age, wide contacts and wealth of business experience for the development of Ile-Ife and Osun State. I also implore him to work assiduously towards the enhancement and sustenance of the globally- acclaimed rich cul­tural heritage of the Yorubas as a means of uniting the race for peace and progress. I pray that God will give him the wisdom to administer Ile-Ife and the Yor­uba nation as the Arole Oodua.”