Ooni to visit 100 tourism heritage sites in Yorubaland …appoints Ronke Ademiluyi Ambassador for Queen Moremi Legacy

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, and Ojaja II has revealed his intention and decision to visit 100 designated cultural –tourism–heritage sites in Oduduwa land.

The Ooni who made this known in an exclusive interaction with Tribune Tourism Magazine at Enuwa Palace, Ile–Ife on Wednesday pointed out that God has blessed Yoruba land with immeasurable cultural gold and diamonds which were not and still not given the necessary mobilising impetus of transformation.

The Ooni said ‘The land of Oduduwa is blessed  with transcendental cultural artefacts, heritage sites,  historical points, unfathomable natural tourism sites, undiluted tradition value and culture, tangible and intangible tourism ingredients which are second to none in the world, imperishable articles of the old, inter-generationally sustained properties, awesome works of arts and wonderful carvings of the ancient, spectacular covens, and many others unquantifiable gift of nature and testimonies of the geniuses of old are inside and within the territory of Oduduwa”

He revealed some “These precious traditional  and historical properties have been in lone custody, some in community cultural reservoir and banks,  some are just there un appreciated, devalued and are just kept for keeps only.”

The Ooni declared ‘Time has come to put an end to the undervaluing syndrome of those ornaments of fortunes bequeathed unto us  by our ancestors, forebears  and nature, but which we have either out of ignorance, indoctrination, globalisation, sheer neglect, cultural imperialism cast aside or set off as things of old and of no economic relevance.”

Oba Adeyeye disclosed “It is an irony of fate and injustice to ourselves that these pristine properties and cultural articles which we consider as immaterial are those things , sites and heritage being preserved , protected , promoted , enhanced , polished and showcased and projected as objects to lure commerce , boost economy , catch investors by developing countries “

The Ooni said “Enough is enough. Enough of living poor within the environment of fortunes.  Enough of deception. Enough of economic stagnation which is a product of our low self esteem in terms of our inability to appreciate and promote what we have  and   stoke the wealth within us. I am going ahead not only to visit 100 designated cultural–tourism–heritage sites in Oduduwa land, but ensure the transformation of these  sites into wealth stokers and spinners”

Ooni Ojaja revealed that  the tour, which  will commence in the last quarter of the Royal year would be packaged, branded and marketed by corporate entities for this generation and generation yet unborn”.

“We must ensure that we preserve these things meaningfully in a sustainable economic sense that generations yet unborn will praise us rather than curse us. We must endeavour to account for those things left behind by our progenitors by maintaining and keeping for the next generation”.

Meanwhile, the appointment of Princess Ronke Adémilúyì by His Imperial Majesty (HIM), Oba Ògúnwùsì (Òjájá II) as the Heritage Ambassador of Queen Móremí legacy remains a new dawn of great awakening for the development of Yorùbá culture. This engagement is very central to the mission of the Ooni’s global re-enactment of Yorùbá culture and tradition.

According to The Arole Oodua “this appointment is set out  towards the reincarnation of the 12th century historical thematic virtues of Queen Móremi whose indelible and heroic legacies will continue to endure in the chronicles of both Yorùbá and world histories”.

He further stated, “Princess Adémilúyì will provide a whole range of development and initiatives towards the age-long sustenance of Queen Móremí legacies and enhance the flourishing of its narratives, both in Nigeria and globally through strategic partnership and collaborations with reputable world institutions”.

Oba Ògúnwùsì tasked her to set out a roadmap on how this vision will be delivered, and build on existing passions of celebrating an amazing heroine whose statute is the tallest in Nigeria and second tallest in Africa.

Princess Adémilúyì establishes immeasurable ambitions towards the transformation of Yorùbá culture which is evident in her unique endeavours and international projects which have positively affected people of various cultures, traditions and people across the globe.

Princess Adémilúyì is the Founder/CEO of Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria, which is regarded as the largest international gathering and one of the most anticipated annual events celebrating African fashion achievement across the world.

According to her, “in actualisation of this great commission which His Imperial Majesty has entrusted to me which I’m thankful for, I’m resolved to constitute and work with highly motivated team across the globe and round the clock to bring together an array of professionals, who are also ready to work assiduously towards the successful implementation of the Queen Moremi Project.”