- Safiu Kehinde
Nigerian Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to prominent Yoruba monarch, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Soyinka was accompanied by a delegation of distinguished scholars and cultural advocates, who were warmly received with traditional songs, drums, and royal hospitality.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ooni’s Palace Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare.
In his remark, the Nobel Laurette highlighted the growing desire among Africans in the diaspora particularly Afro-Brazilians of Yoruba origin to reconnect with their history, ancestors, and cultural identity.
Soyinka, as quoted in the statement, emphasized the importance of educating them on the historical realities of slavery and fostering unity that encourages their return to their ancestral home, Ile-Ife.
“If we do not take decisive steps now, it may take much longer to rebuild this bridge. When they come home, they can contribute to economic, cultural, and intellectual development. But above all, their deepest desire is to rediscover their origin.” He said.
Responding, the Ooni lauded Professor Soyinka for his lifelong dedication to strengthening Yoruba cultural identity, unity, and global recognition.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for renaming the Lagos National Theatre to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, describing it as a well-deserved honour that celebrates Soyinka’s monumental contributions to literature, human rights, and Yoruba heritage.
“We are always delighted to receive you in Ile-Ife. It is clear that this divine assignment aligns with your calling, and we will work together to strengthen the bond between our people and their descendants abroad.
“On behalf of the entire Yoruba race and the Ooni-in-Council, we express our profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for honouring an icon like you. You remain our pride.” the Ooni said.
Also speaking during the visit, former Deputy Leader of the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement, Professor Wale Adeniran, extolled Soyinka’s unwavering commitment to African unity and diaspora engagement.
He stressed the need to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland, particularly those of Yoruba descent in Brazil and other parts of the universe.
“The Africans in diaspora want to know their roots, their ancestry, and the cultural heritage that binds us together. And we find it very important to come to the custodian of that origin, the Ooni of Ife for his blessing and support.” He said.
Prof. Adeniran further praised the Ooni for his continuous support for diaspora communities, especially Yoruba descendants in Brazil who trace their cultural identity directly to Ile-Ife.
Similarly, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, commended the Ooni for his humanitarian interventions across the world.
He recalled how the Ooni rescued over 2,000 distressed Yoruba migrants from Libya by providing financial support, shelter, care, and empowerment opportunities upon their return to Nigeria.
He emphasized that the Ooni’s influence and benevolence extend across continents from Europe to North America where he has consistently supported Africans, especially the Yoruba, describing him as “a father to all and a defender of the vulnerable.”
Meanwhile, the Ooni presented Professor Wole Soyinka with sacred Ife bronze artifacts symbolic gifts in recognition of his lifelong work in promoting cultural unity and strengthening ties between Yorubas at home and abroad.