The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has been honoured with the prestigious title of the “Emperor of Yoruba Kings in Africa and the Diaspora” by a body of Yoruba monarchs based in the Republic of Benin.
A statement on Friday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, made this known.
Olafare said the royal presentation of the title was received by the Ooni at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile‑Ife, the ancestral home of the Yoruba race.
According to the statement, the honour was conferred by the leadership of Apapo Oba Yoruba in Africa Diaspora (AOYAD), an association of Yoruba traditional rulers in the Republic of Benin and across the African diaspora.
Speaking on behalf of the Benin Republic monarchs, the President of AOYAD, Adehoumi Kiffouli, who is also the King of Illaso Kingdom in the Republic of Benin, described the Ooni as a unifying symbol of the Yoruba people globally.
Kiffouli noted that the recognition was in appreciation of the Ooni’s tireless efforts in promoting Yoruba culture, heritage, and unity among Yoruba descendants across Africa and the diaspora.
He said the Ooni has continued to demonstrate exemplary leadership and commitment toward strengthening the bonds among Yoruba traditional institutions beyond national boundaries.
The monarch added that the title was meant to reaffirm the historic and spiritual position of the Ooni as the natural father and rallying point of the Yoruba race worldwide.
Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed appreciation to the Benin Republic monarchs for the honour, describing it as a recognition not just for him personally but for the entire Yoruba race.
He said the recognition would further strengthen ongoing efforts aimed at fostering unity, cultural revival, and socio-economic collaboration among Yoruba people both in Africa and in the diaspora.
He reiterated the need for continued cooperation among traditional rulers across Yoruba-speaking communities and beyond, stressing that unity remains the greatest strength of the Yoruba race.
Ogunwusi also offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and sustained cultural preservation among Yoruba communities worldwide while assuring the visiting monarchs of his commitment to promoting harmony among traditional institutions across Africa.
