Ooni, Obalufe Hail Fani-Kayode’s Senate Screening, Laud Ambassadorial Appointment as Pride of Ife Land
Wale Igbintade
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and Ọbalufe of Ile-Ife, HRM Oba Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura, have expressed delight over the successful screening of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode by the Nigerian Senate, describing the development as a source of pride for the people of Ifeland and Osun State.
The Ooni’s message, delivered through his representative, Dr. Kemade Elugbaju, Sooko Omoniyi, highlighted Chief Fani-Kayode’s distinguished heritage and record of national service.
“The Ooni, the good people of Ifeland, and the generality of Osun State indigenes are delighted by this honour done to one of our sons,” the statement said.
Chief Fani-Kayode, a lawyer and former Minister of Aviation, holds several traditional titles, including Aare Ajagunla of Otun Ekiti, Sadaukin Shinkafi, Wakilin Doka Potiskum, and Otunba Joga Orile.
He hails from the renowned Gbuede lineage, which has produced notable figures such as his father, the late Chief Remi Fani-Kayode, former Deputy Premier of the Western Region and Regional Minister; his grandfather, Justice Adedapo Kayode, one of Nigeria’s early judges; and his great-grandfather, Rev. Emmanuel Kayode, a pioneering clergyman who helped introduce Christianity to Ile-Ife.
The Ooni, who is also Co-Chairman of the National Traditional Council of Nigeria, commended Fani-Kayode’s commitment to public service, particularly his efforts to appoint qualified indigenes of Osun State to key positions during his tenure as Minister of Aviation.
“Kabiyesi is confident that Chief Femi Fani-Kayode will do even more in his new role as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.
The monarch further expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for conferring the honour on Fani-Kayode, while offering prayers for the president’s continued success.
Also, another prominent traditional authority in Ile-Ife, the Ọbalufe of Ile-Ife, HRM Oba Adediwura, congratulated Fani-Kayode on his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador, describing it as both a recognition of experience and a call to serve the nation with honour and responsibility.
In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the ancient city of Ile-Ife, the Ọbalufe said the appointment reflected national confidence in Fani-Kayode’s visibility and sustained engagement in national and international affairs.
Describing Ile-Ife as the cradle of the Yoruba race and a historic source of leadership, culture, and identity, the Ọbalufe noted that the city takes pride whenever one of its sons is called to represent Nigeria beyond its borders.is called to represent Nigeria beyond its borders.
He observed that diplomacy requires wisdom, restraint, courage, and cultural depth, stressing that Nigeria’s global representation must be anchored on honour, clarity of purpose, and loyalty to the nation’s collective destiny.
“It is our expectation that this assignment will be carried out with dignity and a strong sense of national consciousness,” the traditional ruler said.
He expressed hope that Fani-Kayode’s words would promote peace, his conduct inspire respect, and his service enhance Nigeria’s image in the international community, while wishing him a tenure marked by honour, restraint, and lasting positive impact.
