Ooni of Ife Honours Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi at 90th Birthday Celebration in Lagos
LagosExplorer reports: The ancient Yoruba throne met the wisdom of age on Sunday night as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, honoured the Aro of the Source, Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi, at his grand 90th birthday celebration in Lagos.
The colourful event took place at the prestigious Harbour Point, Victoria Island, drawing a glittering audience of traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry, and cultural enthusiasts.
A Royal Presence in Honour of a Yoruba Elder
The Ooni of Ife, clad in his signature white agbada and adorned with an ornate beaded crown, was welcomed with traditional praise chants and cultural performances. His presence underlined the deep respect between the palace of Ile-Ife — regarded as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba race — and one of its most distinguished sons.
Speaking at the occasion, the Ooni praised Chief Duduyemi as “a custodian of heritage, a bridge between generations, and an example of selfless leadership.”
Who is Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi?
Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi, the Aro of the Source, is a man whose name carries weight in Yoruba culture and Nigerian society. The Aro title is one of the most prestigious chieftaincy positions in Ile-Ife, the ancestral home of the Yoruba people. Historically, the Aro serves as a trusted adviser to the Ooni, representing wisdom, diplomacy, and guardianship of tradition.
Born in 1935, Chief Duduyemi built a remarkable career as a businessman, philanthropist, and community leader. Over the decades, he has been instrumental in championing education, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment. His philanthropic gestures have touched countless lives, from scholarship schemes to community development projects.
The Significance of the Aro of the Source
The Aro of the Source is more than just a ceremonial title — it is a position steeped in history. In Yoruba tradition, the Aro is part of the royal council, helping to safeguard the customs and moral compass of the kingdom. The “Source” in the title refers to Ile-Ife, believed by the Yoruba to be the birthplace of humanity and the seat of their civilization.
Chief Duduyemi has used this role to foster unity among Yoruba descendants at home and in the diaspora, acting as a cultural ambassador and promoter of heritage.
The Ooni of Ife — Custodian of a Rich Legacy
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi ascended the revered throne of Oduduwa in 2015 as the 51st Ooni of Ife. A monarch known for blending tradition with modernity, he has worked to strengthen the cultural identity of the Yoruba people while engaging with national and international leaders to promote unity, peace, and development.
His reign has been marked by an emphasis on youth empowerment, tourism promotion, and cultural diplomacy. The Ooni’s presence at Chief Duduyemi’s celebration was therefore both a royal honour and a reaffirmation of the bond between the throne and its esteemed chiefs.
An Evening of Glamour and Tradition
The birthday celebration was a perfect blend of elegance and cultural authenticity. Guests were treated to live traditional music, dance performances, and a lavish banquet. Family members, associates, and dignitaries took turns paying glowing tributes to the celebrant, describing him as a man of integrity, foresight, and enduring relevance.