Ooni of Ife Makes Historic Visit to Mopa, Reaffirms Okun and Kwara’s Connection to Yoruba Dynasty
By Olugbemi Femi – Lokoja
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has made a historic visit to Mopa in Kogi State in honor of the Elulu of Mopa and Chairman, Mopamuro Local Government Traditional Council, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, on his first anniversary on the throne, emphasizing that the people of Okun and Kwara are part of the Yoruba dynasty.
The revered monarch disclosed this while speaking at the elaborate event highlighting the long affinity between the Okun people who reside in Kabba area all through to Obajana, Lokoja and those in Kwara State are parts of Yoruba Kingdom, pointed out that the boundaries that separated them from the kinsmen in the southwest are artificial hence they should not forget that they are from Ile Ife the cradle of Yoruba race.
He said ‘Okun means strength in Yoruba language stressing that anywhere the people of Okun are found in the world, they usually show their strength in anything they do, noted that those who still reside in Ile Ife do well with their strengths in farming and hunting expenditure for people to know that they are truly part and parcel of Yoruba like the people from Oyo.
He appealed to them to continue to see themselves as parts of the Yoruba dynasty, not minding that they are said to be part of the north geographically on the map of Nigeria, emphasizing their long affinity with Ile Ife, where their forefathers relocated from to their present location in Kogi State.
He used the occasion to eulogize the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, for his efforts in uniting the people of the area, acknowledging his consistent calls at his palace in Ile Ife, urging him to visit the area, which God has made possible yesterday.
He further noted that Oba Owoniyi’s concerns for the development of the area, especially having a tertiary institution in Okunland, always form a major part of his discussion each time he visits.
He said he has tried on two occasions to visit the Obaro but could not make it due to circumstances beyond his control, stressing that he was glad to meet the Okun people at the point of ‘Imopapo’, now Mopa community.
This visit highlights the cultural and historical ties between these regions and the Yoruba kingdom.
The Ooni’s visit to Mopa, the heart of Okunland, underscores the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage. By acknowledging the shared ancestry and traditions, the Ooni aims to foster greater unity and cooperation among the people of Okun, Kwara, and the Yoruba kingdom.
This visit marks a significant moment in the history of Mopa and the Okun region, reinforcing their connection to the Yoruba dynasty. The Ooni’s presence is expected to promote cultural exchange and understanding, ultimately contributing to the development and progress of the region.
The Ooni’s statement serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage shared by the people of Okun, Kwara, and the Yoruba kingdom, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and mutual respect.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of leadership award to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife and commissioning of the mannequin within the palace of Elulu of Mopa
