The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has installed the President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare (Barr.) Oladotun Hassan, as the Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife.
The installation, which took place at the historic Wanikin House and Ogbooru Amodo Ruling House over the weekend, was confirmed 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, traditional rites and royal blessings were performed by palace priests and custodians of Yoruba culture in line with the customs and traditions of Ile-Ife, regarded as the ancestral home of the Yoruba people worldwide.
The title of Sooko Agoriesin occupies a strategic position within the traditional institution of Ile-Ife and is closely associated with loyalty, service, courage, and commitment to the preservation of Yoruba heritage and values.
During the ceremony, the priests offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and continued unity within the Yoruba race, while also charging the new Sooko Agoriesin to uphold the dignity and responsibilities attached to the revered title.
Speaking with journalists shortly after his installation, Hassan expressed gratitude to God for the honour bestowed upon him and appreciated the Ooni for finding him worthy of the prestigious traditional title.
He described the appointment as a call to greater service to humanity, the Yoruba nation, and the ancient throne of Oduduwa.
“I am using this opportunity to reaffirm my loyalty, commitment, and allegiance to the Ooni of Ife and the revered throne of Oduduwa. I will continue to remain a loyal subject committed to serving the interest of the Yoruba race and humanity at large,” he said.
He noted that the title of Sooko represents a position of honour and responsibility within the palace hierarchy.
“The significance of Sooko is enormous. A Sooko serves as a lieutenant to the Ooni. Historically, every Sooko is regarded as a potential Ooni, although the supreme authority remains with the Oonirisa,” he added.
He promised to promote peace, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and humanitarian activities aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people.
“Our forefathers were known for service, generosity, courage, and humanitarian contributions. My task is to ensure that these legacies are preserved and strengthened for future generations,” Hassan stated.
He further assured the people that he would continue to work towards the promotion of Yoruba culture, unity, and socio-economic development across Yorubaland and beyond.
However, the Ooni charged the newly installed Sooko to uphold the integrity of the title and remain dedicated to the service of the palace, the Yoruba people, and humanity.
Ooni Ogunwusi described Hassan as a committed Yoruba ambassador whose contributions to cultural advocacy, youth mobilisation, and national development have continued to earn recognition within and outside Nigeria.
The monarch urged him to use his new position to further strengthen peace, promote Yoruba cultural values, and contribute meaningfully to community development initiatives.
The ceremony attracted traditional chiefs, palace officials, cultural enthusiasts, members of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, and dignitaries from different parts of the country who gathered to witness the historic installation.