Ooni Of Ife Crowned In Secret, Enters Palace Today

Contrary to speculation that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi would be “crowned” at an elaborate ceremony with pomp and fanfare, The Nation is reporting that he has already been crowned in a secret traditional ceremony that held early hours of Monday.

Oba Ogunwusi, who underwent weeks of traditional initiation rites preparatory to his formal ascension to the throne of Ooni of Ife, will enter the palace and be received by palace chiefs.

An informed source said the Ooni would hold a press conference at his palace around 10 am.

The source, who said there was nothing like coronation in Ife tradition, said Oba Ogunwusi was crowned traditionally in a confidential ceremony between 3am and 5am.

He said “experts” had enlightened those in charge of the process that there could only be an inauguration for the Ooni instead of coronation.

He added: “Ooni gives crowns to traditional rulers and he is not expected to receive one like others. His crowning is usually done in secrecy or confidence, not in the open.

“And traditionally, whoever is pronounced by the kingmakers and the government becomes the Ooni. He does not need to wait till he undergoes rites and crowned before he is referred to as Ooni”.