As the battle for the stool of the Ooni of Ile-Ife hots up, an aspirant from Giesi Ruling House of the Lajodogun Dynasty, Prince Sikiru Ayedun, promised that his achievements would surpass that of the late Oba Adesoji Aderemi and Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
The former Commissioner for Commerce in Osun State spoke with Daily Sun. Excerpts:
THE Ooni stool is neither a meat pie nor an all-comer-affair. What is your take on the increasing number of aspirants scrambling for the throne?
The stool of Ooni of Ife has come to assume the imperial status. Without being immodest, the scrambling for the stool is as a result of the magnitude of achievements and level of attainment of the last two Oonis – Oba Aderemi and Oba Sijuwade.
It is expected that all princes, especially from Giesi (whose turn it is to produce next Ooni), should show their intentions. The kingmakers make consultations with Ifa priests; local and state governments make their statutory contributions as stipulated by laws in choosing the next Ooni. The best of the princes with requisite qualifications will wear the Aare crown and life will continue. I restate here that I cannot be found wanting in the requisite qualifications.
Do you have the pedigree to emerge as the next Ooni? If yes, what are your chances?
The basic pedigree to emerge as the next Ooni of Ife is that you must be a prince from a ruling house and in this case from the next ruling house in line, the Giesi Ruling House. He must be of a sound mind, not deformed and not a convict. It is baseless to say that the prince cannot have a father. If both parents are dead, their graveyards must be in Ile-Ife.
The second pedigree is that he must be well educated; mature in age and experience with- out falsifications; he must be a promoter of our culture and traditions; and more importantly with networks within the government circle among others. These are the networks that the king will use to attract growth and development to the ancient city of Ile-Ife and environs. The last two Oonis were good examples. I am very sure that I have the pedigree and brilliant chances of emerging as the next Ooni.
You are one of the about nine that made the list of nominated candidates from the Giesi Ruling House. How do you think you can cross the hurdle?
I believe with my basic and secondary pedigree for choosing Ooni, I am capable of crossing the hurdle to the throne of Ooni out of the numbers that will be so nominated. Insha Allah, I will get to the throne.
With the ongoing scramble, clandestine politicking and lobby, do you think the right man would emerge at the end of the day? What is your take on the scramble in relation to tradition as against the conventional politics that has already crept into the whole process?
The truth of the matter is that, irrespective of the level of scrambling for the Ooni’s stool, clandestine politicking and lobby, and even with the struggle between tradition and conventional politics, the best candidate for the good and growth of Ifeland will emerge. Insha Allah.
In view of the keen interest being shown by the four ruling houses, don’t you think there could be anarchy in the land before and after the Ooni emerges?
Nothing like anarchy has happened during and after installing any Ooni of Ife for the past centuries of inception. Ife land will continue to witness peace and development.
Considering the increasing number of aspirants, do you have any worries over your failure to emerge victorious?
I am a full-blooded prince from Giesi Ruling House (Moniki Royal Family to be specific). I have diligently and commendably discharged my duties and responsibilities to the people, especially my people of Ife land in the last four years that I have been saddled with the roles of Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism in the state.
This has resulted in positive and impactful relationship between me, the Ooni palace and people of Ile-Ife. Even before I came to serve my people in 2010, for more than 10 years, I have always been a business mogul and philanthropist (there is no need playing to the gallery by mentioning what I did).
It is expected of Omo-Oba to do good to his people, not only when he wants to attain a throne. The Ooni stool is beyond cash and carry, though they are good for life. A mature prince should know that the Ooni stool is not for sale. It would amount to beclouding peo- ple’s sense of judgment.
I have always been with my people. I am not ruffled by the show of intention by some princes, especially those who are set to distort facts of history, custom and tradition for the selection of Ooni. Some do not want to agree with the sayings and writings of their grandfathers. How can they say they share their lineage? To the glory of God and benefits of Ife and Yoruba people, I shall be victorious!
What is your actual driving force and in case you fail, what would be your reaction?
My faith in Almighty Allah and belief in the people of Ile-Ife is actually my driving force. I have so much faith in Almighty Allah because He is always faithful and will never abandon His own, particularly when the issue of truth and justice is involved.
From the facts and legal documents available to the government and the public, it is the turn of the Giesi Ruling House to occupy the throne. I am a prince from that ruling house. My bio- logical father, who is still alive and recently turbaned as the Baba Adinni of Ife Muslim Community, is the Sooko Minu of the Giesi Ruling House. So, that settles the issue of me being a bonafide Omo-Oba from Giesi Ruling House.
I equally have an invaluable trust in the capacity of the kingmakers, other palace chiefs and my relationship with the people of Ile-Ife (of course, which I have built over 15 years when I built my first house in Ife and since I have been relating with them, protecting what- ever they are committed to with promises of a better life and city development.
By Clement Adeyi, SUN
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