Queen Elizabeth, Buhari, 20 govs to attend Ooni’s coronation

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Her Majesty the Queen of England, Elizabeth Alexandra; President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); and governors from at least 20 states, ministers and other dignitaries are expected to attend the coronation of the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II.

The Chairman, Media Committee of the coronation, Mr. Biyi Odunlade, said this at a press conference that started a series of activities lined up for the coronation scheduled to hold on December 7.

Odunlade, however, explained that the queen might be represented at the ceremony. He added that guests from many nations of the world had been invited for the ceremony.

The Ooni also said he was ready to fast-track the development of Ife with a series of policies, which he said, would make the Yoruba people proud anywhere they found themselves.

The monarch, who was represented at the press conference by his elder brother, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi, said he would do everything possible to address the problem of youth unemployment in the town.

Ogunwusi, who donated 50 transformers to some communities in Ife before he emerged as the new Ooni, said he would donate additional 50 transformers within the next 30 days to boost electricity supply in the ancient town.

He noted that this gesture would make small scale businesses in the town to thrive because power problem would have been reduced.

He said, “Let me acquaint you with what I have done in less than 70 days. I have given out over 20 electricity transformers worth about N250m.

“I donated 50 transformers when I was a prince. I will buy another 50 transformers within the next 30 days to further enhance electricity distribution. With this, small scale businesses of welders, tailors and others will naturally witness improvement.

“Providentially, I know the core investor and the Chairman, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, personally and very well. I have engaged him and his team to make this a reality and work has commenced in earnest. We will witness this transformation by the very special grace of God.”

“To revamp the stadium, I have already opened discussion with the Osun State Government on this. I will set up a football academy and we will have 16 clubs in Ife.”

The new monarch also promised to establish a football academy.

While the press conference was going on, the new Ooni and other guests were at an inter-religious service held at Enuwa Square.

One of the religious leaders, who spoke at the service, Apostle Joshua Fagbule, urged the people of Ife to rally round Ogunwusi in order for him to bring about meaningful development to the town.

Source: Punch