Gbirimojo of Epinmi Kingdom Celebrates Ooni of Ife on Birthday, Reaffirms Traditional Rulers’ Role in Yoruba Unity

The Gbirimojo of Epinmi Kingdom in Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ayodele Idris, has felicitated with the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on his birthday, describing the occasion as a moment to celebrate the enduring influence of traditional leadership on Yoruba civilisation and identity.

Oba Idris said the significance of the Ooni’s birthday extends beyond a personal milestone, offering an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility of royal institutions in preserving the history, values and cultural heritage that bind the Yoruba people together.

He noted that in a rapidly changing society, traditional rulers remain important custodians of collective memory and indigenous values, with a responsibility to ensure that the legacies of past generations remain relevant to younger Nigerians.

According to the Epinmi monarch, the continued relevance of the traditional institution depends not only on its historical prestige but also on its capacity to promote understanding, encourage peaceful coexistence and contribute meaningfully to the development of society.

He observed that the Ooni’s position at the centre of one of Yorubaland’s most historically significant traditional institutions places him in a unique position to champion cultural preservation and strengthen the bonds connecting Yoruba communities at home and in the diaspora.

Oba Idris added that occasions such as the Ooni’s birthday provide an opportunity for reflection on the shared heritage of Yoruba kingdoms and the need for traditional institutions to continue working towards a common vision of peace, unity and progress.

He emphasised that the strength of Yorubaland lies not merely in the antiquity of its kingdoms or the grandeur of its palaces, but also in the values of mutual respect, communal responsibility and solidarity that have sustained its people across generations.

The Gbirimojo expressed the hope that the new year in the life of the Ooni would bring renewed opportunities for impactful leadership, stronger cultural connections and greater contributions to the advancement of the Yoruba people and Nigeria as a whole.

He prayed for the monarch’s continued good health, wisdom and strength, expressing confidence that his years on the throne would continue to contribute to the preservation of Yoruba heritage and the promotion of peaceful relations among communities.

Oba Idris, on behalf of the Epinmi Kingdom, wished the Ooni many more years of purposeful leadership, peace and fulfilment as he marks another year of life.