Ooni of Ife Reacts, Says Benin Kingdom Is Yoruba Territory With Facts

 

As you read this, please note that Ooni Ogunwusi, Ojaja II,

has said that he’s not in supremacy battle:

The humble Ooni of Ife has finally added his voice to the

ongoing controversy concerning hierarchy as he said the

Benin Kingdom is in fact a Yoruba territory and thus is

under him.

Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi has responded to the ongoing

hierarchy tussle over who is superior between the Ooni of

Ife and the Oba of Benin, started by the Alake of Egbaland,

Adedotun Gbadebo who said the Ooni stands as the

highest ranked monarch in Yorubaland.

The Ooni said Benin Kingdom in Edo State is no doubt a

part of the expansive Yoruba race, according to all

historical facts, and as such it is under him.

The monarch was reacting to a statement credited to the

palace of the Oba of Benin challenging the claim by the

Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo, that the Ooni of Ife

remained the highest spiritual leader in Yorubaland

(former Western region) and environs.

Oba Ogunwusi, replied through a statement from his

Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare. He

said going by historical evidence detailing the Oduduwa

lineage, Benin Kingdom remained part and parcel of

Oduduwa House.

“We in Oduduwa land have always seen and regarded our

people in Benin kingdom as part and parcel of Oduduwa

House. They are our brothers and sisters, coupled with

historical facts to back up this position,” Ooni Ogunwusi

said.

“The statement credited to the Alake of Egbaland, did not

emanate from us but the reality is that as a highly

experienced and well informed monarch, Kabiyesi Alake,

who is a bonafide Oodua descendant is entitled to his opinion

based on his knowledge and understanding of history,” the

Ooni said.

“Let me emphasize for the umpteenth time that Kabiyesi

Ooni is less concerned over any supremacy hullabaloo. He

is only interest for now in how the sacred throne of

Oduduwa can explore measures through which the

collective interest and genuine unity among Yoruba and

other tribes within the larger House of Oduduwa can be

enhanced.

“This informed his resolve to build bridges of harmony

among Yourba Obas. ‘I am resolutely committed to how

Yoruba ethnic group can restore its glory and pride of

position among other ethnic inclinations in Nigeria and

don’t want to be dragged into supremacy contest or join

issues with anybody’.”

The traditional ruler said he recalled that about six years

ago, attempt was made by some people to upturn history

during the launch of a book titled: I REMAIN SIR, YOUR

OBEDIENT SERVANT, which he said stood historical facts

on its head.

Oba Ogunwusi said if the position espoused by the Oba of

Benin Palace in the media “is aimed at distancing our

people in Benin from the South West and Yoruba, so be

it.”

He however added, “We still identify with them as our

kinsmen, regardless of the attempt to change the course of

history.”

It would be recalled that The Alake had, while hosting the

Oba Ogunwusi in his palace on February 7, rated Ooni as

the number one monarch in Yorubaland and included

Benin as one of such places.