By Seyifunmi Odunuga
Eminent Nigerians, including Ministers, Governors celebrities and cream la de cream in the society, both inside and outside the country felicitated with the business mogul, Princess (Dr.) Toyin Kolade, as she was installed the Iyalaje of Oduduwa worldwide by the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Friday, July 16th, 2021 at the Ile-Oodua Palace of The Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife.
The appointment of Princess Toyin Kolade as Iyalaje Oodua by Oba Babatunde Ogunwusi is of the right peg in the right hole, which lauded Ooni over such an excellent performance.
The Iyalaje Oodua was received at Ilero spot at Iremo road, Ile-Ife by the cultural women (Obinrin Ilero) and the Ooni’s traditional aides (Emeses) to perform the ILERO rites who lead her to the palace (Ile Oodua) to pay traditional obeisance to the Arole Oodua after which she was taken to the sacred Yeyemolu well for blessings.
She returned to Ilero spot (Iremo) where she was received by the Chief priests (Isoros) of Ilero for further rites.
Saturday 17th July 2021, the journey started with the movement of Isoros and Iyalajes of different markets to the AJE temple at Oja Ife (Oja Ejigbomekun), where the Iyalaje joined them in the company of Emeses, seven horses and her guests.
She now dressed traditionally as the Iyalaje Oodua and prayed to be able to discharge optimally in the lofty capacity.
Afterwards, she was led to the palace by the Isoros and Emeses in the company of her guests. She was received at the palace’s entrance (Enugeru) by Ife High-Chiefs who then led her to the Temple of Wisdom (Ogun Laadin) within the palace courtyard for blessings.
At the Temple of Wisdom, she got the installation leaves (Ewe Akoko) and then be taken to where she was received by the Ooni who announced her as the Iyalaje Oodua.
The grand reception and other social aspects of the installation ceremony were later held at OJAJA ARENA, a 3,000 seater MICE Centre located within the premises of the Ife Grand Resort and Industrial Park, Ife/Ibadan Road, Ile-Ife.
King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal was on the bandstand while Gbenga Adeyinka d First compered.
