The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ọjájá II, has reaffirmed the ancestral connection of the Okun people in Kogi State and the people of Kwara to the Yoruba dynasty. Speaking during a historic visit to Mopa in Kogi State to honor the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, on his first anniversary on the throne, the Ooni emphasized that the boundaries separating Okun and Kwara from their kinsmen in the southwest are artificial.
He urged the people to remember their roots in Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race, and to continue seeing themselves as part of the Yoruba dynasty, regardless of current geographical classifications. “Okun means strength in the Yoruba language. Wherever the people of Okun are found in the world, they exhibit strength in everything they do,” the Ooni said, highlighting their contributions to farming and hunting, and their integral role in the Yoruba heritage.
The Ooni recounted the longstanding affinity between the Okun people and Ile-Ife, noting that their forefathers migrated from Ile-Ife to their present location in Kogi State. He praised the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, for his efforts in uniting the region, acknowledging his persistent invitations to visit Okunland and his advocacy for the development of the area, particularly the establishment of a tertiary institution.
Expressing joy at finally visiting the Okun people at the historic Imopapo (now Mopa), the Ooni underscored the importance of preserving and promoting shared cultural heritage. He called for greater unity, cooperation, and mutual respect among Okun, Kwara, and the broader Yoruba kingdom.
The visit was marked by the presentation of a leadership award to the Ooni and the commissioning of a mannequin within the palace of the Elulu of Mopa. The Ooni’s presence is expected to facilitate cultural exchange, strengthen historical ties, and contribute to the progress and development of the region.
His remarks serve as a powerful reminder of the rich cultural heritage shared by the people of Okun, Kwara, and the Yoruba kingdom, and the enduring importance of unity and collaboration.
