Ooni of Ife installs Awojoodu as new Jaaran of Ile-Ife
Oba Ogunwusi Installs Chief Saka Awojoodu as Jaaran Adimula of Ile-Ife
Ile-Ife, Nigeria — The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has formally installed Chief Saka Awojoodu as the new Jaaran Adimula of Ile-Ife. The announcement was made on Friday by Mr. Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace.
The installation ceremony took place at Oke-Emese within the palace grounds and was attended by palace chiefs, traditional priests, and key figures from the Ife traditional council. It was officiated by Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, alongside Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Adekola Adeyeye.
According to Olafare, the installation rites adhered closely to longstanding customs governing the appointment of high-ranking chiefs in Ile-Ife. Following the formal ceremony, Awojoodu participated in a symbolic procession, accompanied by traditional priests and palace officials, visiting significant compounds and sacred sites across the city. This procession is part of the customary rituals required for assuming the responsibilities of his new office.
During the ceremony, Oba Adediwura urged Awojoodu to fulfill his duties with integrity and unwavering loyalty to the Oduduwa throne. He emphasized the importance of preserving the sanctity of the traditional institution and maintaining the customs integral to the identity of the Ife people.
Lowa Adimula Adekola Adeyeye also spoke, encouraging Awojoodu to view his new role as a call to greater service. He called for collaboration with fellow kingmakers and palace chiefs to promote unity within the traditional council and contribute to the stability of Ile-Ife.
In his acceptance speech, Awojoodu expressed gratitude for the honor and pledged loyalty to the throne. He committed to upholding the traditions and responsibilities associated with his title and vowed to support initiatives aimed at fostering peace and development in Ile-Ife.
Prior to his elevation, Awojoodu held the title of Yegbata of Ife and served as head of the Emeses at the Ooni’s Palace, roles that have prepared him for his position in the traditional hierarchy.
The Jaaran Adimula serves as a senior member of the Ife kingmakers, playing a crucial role in traditional matters such as succession and advisory functions within the palace. The Jaaran ranks just below the Lowa Adimula; notably, Oba Adekola Adeyeye previously held the Jaaran title before his current position.
