MEET THE 35 ILE-IFE PRINCES WHO WANT TO BECOME THE NEXT OONI

MEET THE 35 ILE-IFE PRINCES WHO WANT TO BECOME THE NEXT OONI

Since the completion of the burial rites of Late Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse11, prominent princes from Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race have been jostling to occupy the vacant stool. At the last count, no fewer than 35 princes from the four recognised royal families in the ancient town have shown interest in the throne. These ruling houses are: Lafogido. Giesi, Ogboru and Osinkola.

From Osinkola ruling house alone are six candidates from the five branches of the ruling house. They are Prince Adedamola Aderemi, great grandson of Oba Adesoji Aderemi, the 49th Ooni of Ife who ruled between 1930 and 1980, Prince Ademola Ademiluyi, Prince Yinka Ademiluyi, Dr. Gboyega Ademiluyi, Prince Kanmi Ademiluyi and Prince Adebambo Ademiluyi.

And from Giesi ruling house are: Adeniran Alani Adelowo, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Taye Ogunleye, Adegboyega Ologbenla and Gbadegesin Ologbenla. Others are Princes Adetunji Adeyemi Ogunwusi, Bankola Ojulalayo Adediwura, Adegboyega Adedira, Olajide Adejoba, Adetona Sikiru Ayedun, Ademoyowa Omomadelo and Adegoke Adeyemo.

Abewela Royal House, a branch of Lafogido Ruling Dynasty, at the weekend said it has decided on a sole candidate for the Ooni Stool. He  is Prince Ahmed Aderoju Adewoyin, a lawyer.

In a statement signed yesterday, by the Sooko of the Royal House, Prince, (Hon. Justice) David Adeniji; ‘’After the reign of Ooni Adegunle Abewela (1839-1849), out of the two original Ruling Dynasties (Lajodogun and Lafogido) only one section i.e. Lajodogun has so far produced seven Oonis of Ife in quick succession.