The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has approved the appointment of Prince Olagoke Owoyomi as the new Obajio of Ife.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, on behalf of the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
According to the Ooni, the appointment followed a transparent selection process involving three eligible princes from the Alayo and Bamidein ruling houses.
Naijaonpoint understands that Prince Owoyomi, a farmer and businessman from the Alayo ruling house in Moore, Ile-Ife, was selected after what the monarch described as a rigorous process.
“The Ooni-in-Council set up a five-man committee to thoroughly screen the three contenders before the final decision was made,” the statement added.
The other contenders were Prince Olagbenga Owoyomi and Prince Kola Ogunrinola, both of the Bamidein ruling house.
Oba Ogunwusi said the appointment of Prince Olagoke Owoyomi was in recognition of his integrity, dedication to heritage values, and commitment to community service.
“As the Ejio of Ife, you are expected to uphold the dignity of the title, serve with loyalty, wisdom, and humility, and contribute to the unity, peace, and progress of Ile-Ife and her people,” the monarch stated in the official appointment letter.
The palace confirmed that details regarding Prince Owoyomi’s installation and formal presentation will be communicated in due course, in line with palace protocols and traditional rites.
The latest development marks another step in Ooni’s continued efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and ensure qualified leaders take up roles in the ancient Yoruba kingdom of Ife.
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