Ooni Picks Toyin Kolade as Iyalaje Oodua
Growth is the ambition of every kingdom, and the denizens of that kingdom are the facilitators of that growth. Knowing this, the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has elected to share the burdens of the Ile-Ife Kingdom with notable personality, Princess (Dr) Oluwatoyin Kolade. The decision has brought much joy and celebration to the good people of Osun State.
The announcement of the Ooni’s choice of chiefs was released only a few days ago. According to the communiqué, the Ooni has conferred the title of Iyalaje Oodua on Princess Oluwatoyin Kolade, an accomplished international businesswoman and philanthropist, recognising her accomplishments for her hometown, state and country, and tasking her with being a paragon worthy of immediate emulation.
This is not the first time Princess Kolade is proving her mettle as a daughter of the soil.
In 2017, the Ooni recognised her distinctive understanding of—and regard for—Oduduwa lineage’s peculiarities. Thus, he made her the Cultural Ambassador in charge of the Aje festival. Even so, Princess Kolade’s passion for the culture and traditions of her fathers has not waned.
In recent times, Princess Kolade has raised the pillars of these traditions onto global renown. After organising five successful editions of the annual festivities, it is no longer surprising to find foreigners who have never been to Nigeria but know even the Yoruba culture and people’s subtle novelties. As a side note, the whole of Brazil bore witness to Princess Kolade’s efforts in September of 2019 when she launched the Aje festival in Rio De Janeiro and won accolades for the Ooni and all of Ile-Ife.
Little wonder the Ooni has appointed her the Iyalaje Oodua, a representative of the deities and peoples of Oduduwa. After all, with great strength and ability comes great responsibility. Doubtless, Princess Kolade can perform beyond expectations.