MINUTE BY MINUTE ACCOUNT OF HOW NEW OONI OF IFE MADE HIS FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE TOWN

The ancient city of Ile Ife stood still for several hours yesterday, as the Ooni-designate Prince Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi made a triumphal entry into the town for the first time after been named the 51st Ooni of Ife by the Osun State government.
His arrival in the town signified the commencement of his installation rites in Ilofi where he will spend the next 21 days.
Ife erupted in wild jubilations as Prince Ogunwusi, entered the town in a motorcade of about 100 vehicles and rode in Bugatti 2015 model car.
Commercial activities in the ancient town were also grounded as shops and commercial banks were closed to customers.
The new Ooni who was decked in white lace material with purple cap and beads, continuously acknowledged cheers from the excited crowd, who had trooped out as early as 7am to catch a glimpse of him.
The new Ooni, who was received at Ajebanbele, Ife toll gate of Ife/Ibadan expressway made it to the venue where ceremonial formal hand over by his family to the palace chiefs was performed at around 2:30 pm.
Accompanied by friends and close relations, sources said the monarch took off from Monatan in Ibadan house of an elder of Giesi Ruling House few minutes past 11am and started the journey to Ife.
He was received at Asejire boundary of Osun and Oyo states by members of Giesi Ruling House and had another stop over at Sasa River where he performed the first traditional rite.
At Sasa River located at the border of Ife and Ibadan, Oba Ogunwusi, as part of rites before entering town, came out of his vehicle and trekked across the river.
Upon arriving at toll gate, Prince Ogunwusi, greeted his father, Pa Ropo Ogunwusi and was led by Prof. Adekanye Aderibigbe, to the high chiefs led by Lowa Adimula, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, and had a brief discussion before proceeding to Obalufe of Iremo’s palace where he observed spiritual feet washing.
He later moved to his family compound in Agbedegbede area, where he was installed as Sooko of Giesi in fulfilment of Ife tradition.
After his installation as Sooko, which was witnessed by the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Otunba Oyewole Fashawe among others, Ogunwusi proceeded to Igbo Oro where more traditional rites where performed.
He is expected to end the day at Ilofi to begin the rites that will last for 21 days before he will be installed with the Obadio, the leader of Isoro cult taking charge of his rites of installation.
Speaking to newsmen at the venue of Ooni’s installation as Sooko, Secretary to the Giesi ruling house, Adekunle Adelowo Ogunleye, noted that the reign of the new Ooni would bring about industrialisation and youth employment to the ancient city.
Regarding litigation in court, Ogunleye said warm reception given to the monarch showed there was no more agitation and that justice has been done.
Commenting in similar vein, Head of Sookos of the Lafogido Ruling House, Walomo Adeleke Adewoyin disclosed that the court matter was over since Prince Ogunwusi had been unanimously chosen.
He said: “We won’t go to court to stop the choice of Ooni. We can only appeal to Osun government to look into the 1980 Ife Chieftaincy declaration to avoid future litigation. After this Ooni, its Lafogido’s turn.”