Ooni of Ife crowns Oba Adenekan Afolabi as the new Alapomu Apomu kingdom

The ancient town of Apomu in the state of Osun went agog on Friday when HRM Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi(Atoyebi II) took the staff of office from the state governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola subsequently crowned as the new Alapomu of Apomu kingdom by the Arole Oodua, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) the Ooni of Ife. While crowning Oba Afolabi as the new Apomu, Ooni Ogunwusi who is also the permanent chairman of Osin State Council of Obas & Chiefs described Apomu as a very important part of Yorubaland with Ile-Ife as its source.

Ooni of Ife crowns Oba Adenekan Afolabi
Ooni of Ife crowns Oba Adenekan Afolabi

“Congratulations to all my children of this ancient town of Apomu. This town remains a very important part of the Oduduwa territory not only because it’s a direct creation of Ife-Ife but also for the strategic roles Apomu had played in the past in Yorubaland. That’s why Alaafin is here, Olofa is here, Akinrun is here, Oluwo is here and several monarchs.” Ooni said.

Ooni, the Co-Chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) eulogized the newly coronated Alapomu as a well-educated fine gentleman and as an embodiment of Oodua cultural values who is readily competent to take Apomu to greater heights. In his address, the new Alapomu Oba Adenekan Afolabi who stunned the cheering crowd with his iconic attire, which is synonymous to that of the Ooni, described himself as a direct descendant of the Giesi ruling house of Ile-Ife. “I am from Gbegbaje branch of Giesi ruling house in Ife, my great uncle was the 40th Ooni of Ife who reigned between 1823 to 1835.” Oba Adenekan noted.

The event which was graced by several dignitaries including the Governor of the State of Osun who was represented by his wife, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola and government functionaries led the SSG, Mr Oyebamiji, Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Olofa Ofa,  Oluwo of Iwo, Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Akire of Ikire and Olukoyi of Ikoyi-Ile among others was made colourful with cultural displays by series of traditional performers.

Just like other Yoruba towns, Apomu is a town founded by Olaarode; a crown Prince from Gbegba Aje Royal dynasty in Ile Ife who left Ife after he contested to become the Ooni but lost. As enshrined in the Yoruba tradition in those days, Olaarode left Ife for his brother to console himself.

Source: The palace of the Ooni of Ife

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