Indicatio
ns emerged yesterday that Omooba Adelekan Aderemi, the grand son of Late Oni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, has his eyes set on the coveted throne of Ooni of Ile Ife, The UK-returnee is from the Oshinkola ruling house of Ile-Ife. Prince Adelekan Aderemi’s father, a lawyer, was the first son of the late Oba Adesoji Aderemi. He died in 1963 at the age of 39.
Some weeks ago the Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuade (Olubuse II) joined his ancestors and the race to succeed him has seen many princes of the ancient city of Ile-Ife come out to stake their claim to be king of the spiritual home of the Yorubas.
Adelekan’s paternal grandmother (one of Oba Aderemi’s wives) was a daughter of Oba Adelekan Olubuse the 1st. Prince Adelekan Aderemi is therefore not only a grandson of Oba Adesoji Aderemi but also a great-grandson of Oba Adelekan Olubuse, who reigned from 1894 to 1910.
Omoba Adelekan Aderemi spent his formative years in Ile-Ife, right from primary school through secondary to tertiary. Following after his father’s footsteps, Adelekan Aderemi studied Law, graduating from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) with honours in 1985, and was called to the bar in 1986. He is a successful international lawyer in the United Kingdom.
Adelekan’s interest in the apex Yoruba throne brings new moral wave to the Ooni’s succession race. Some members of the Oshinkola ruling house of Ile-Ife described as a silent achiever whose towering accomplishments can help sustain the enviable status of Ile-Ife.
Prince Adelekan by the special grace of God is endowed with natural leadership qualities and a unique capacity to carry everybody along. With his pedigree and exposure the world over he will no doubt add value to the heritage and move the ancient town of Ile-Ife forward.
