By Moses Olafare
The Ooni of Ifẹ, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi has installed the President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide Barrister Oladotun Hassan as the Sooko Agoriesin of .
The installation ceremony took place over the weekend at the historic Wanikin House and Ogbooru Amodo Ruling House in Ile-Ife. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare.
According to the statement, the event featured traditional rites and royal blessings performed by palace priests and custodians of Yoruba culture, in accordance with the customs of Ile-Ife, widely regarded as the ancestral home of the Yoruba people.
The title of Sooko Agoriesin is considered a significant position within the traditional institution of Ile-Ife, symbolising loyalty, courage, service, and commitment to the preservation of Yoruba heritage.
During the ceremony, prayers were offered for peace, prosperity, and unity among the Yoruba people, while the newly installed chief was charged to uphold the dignity and responsibilities of the title.
Speaking with journalists after the installation, Hassan expressed gratitude for the honour, describing it as a call to greater service to humanity, the Yoruba nation, and the throne of Oduduwa. He pledged his loyalty to the Ooni and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Yoruba unity and cultural values.
Hassan noted that the Sooko title holds considerable importance within the palace hierarchy, describing the holder as a key lieutenant to the Ooni and a custodian of tradition.
He also pledged to focus on peacebuilding, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and humanitarian initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife charged the new Sooko Agoriesin to uphold the integrity of the office and remain dedicated to the service of the palace and the Yoruba people. The monarch described Hassan as a committed advocate of Yoruba culture whose contributions to cultural promotion and youth mobilisation have earned him recognition.
The Ooni further urged him to leverage his new role to strengthen peace, promote cultural values, and support community development.
The ceremony was attended by traditional chiefs, palace officials, members of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries from across the country.
Moses Olafare is Media Aide to His Imperial Majesty, the Óoni of Ifẹ
