Ooni of Ife corontion and life

Ife is the ancient city of Osun state. This is a spiritual home for the Yorubas. How is the Ooni crowned? What are the coronation rituals and rites?

Ooni of Ife history

Ooni is the monarch of this kingdom. Now the king is Ojaja II, the 51st Ooni. The king plays an active role in the religious life of his people. Yoruba people believe in the mythic origin of their city. The tradition of Ooni of Ife reign is going back to the time of founding the city, because the Ooni has the mythic origin as well.

Ooni of Ife rites

Ife is a so-called city of 401 deities. The worshippers everyday celebrate a festival of one of the deities. The celebration often involves theatrical dramatizations and priestly activities. The Ooni appears in public only during Olojo festival.

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Yoruba has well developed national art style and deployed a system of rites. They are known for their naturalistic bronze, terracotta and stone sculptures. Many ancient rituals are still performed today. Ooni of Ife rituals is an integral part of their daily life.

The coronation is also a big ritual. The ceremony goes on for about 30 days. First, the king is installed as Sooko of his family. Then he goes to the Obalufe Palace to perform some rituals at Orunto River. Another round of ritual is conducted in the forest. There are 21 days of initiations and rituals. During this time, it is alleged that the future king meets the spirit of an old woman. Only this women can give Ooni the power to reign. All modern kings also pass this rite.

Ooni of Ife coronation

Let's consider the ceremony in more details. The elected king starts his way from Aborohaye, this is a local holy stream. From this point, he travels to the center of Ife, where he enters Odudua temple. At this place, the Oduduwa priest shows the king certain symbols, and the king goes through intensive rituals which are called as "making of the king".

These rituals transforms him from a mortal person into a god (orisa). This is the very important part of all the coronation, at that time there occur the transformation of an ordinary person to the supreme king of the nation.

Next episode goes in front of the palace, where the king is greeted by the public and recognized as unquestionable ruler. Here the Chiefs of the palace offer prayers to the four directions. This action concerns the myth of starting the world from Ife city. Next step is about sanctifying the king’s new power.

From the first temple, the king goes to another along Edena Street. Next temple is Obatala, in the temple, there is a loud sound of iron gongs, which symbolizes thunder deity. This deity gives to the king divine power. At the next stage, the king stays for several days at the place known as the Ilofi. During this time he communicates with political chiefs. Ilofi is a temporary residence of the king.

Next stage is the introducing the king to deities. He visits Obalufon temple and the center of Ido. Ido is a place where the crown is made for king by the Ompetu of Ido. The crown is made of iroko leaves. At the Ilofi site the king's hair would be shaved in the night.

Next point is Iwesu temple and two-hour ceremony. At the next day king travels to the eastern gate at Lekun Ode and back to the center of Ife. This is the place of final event. The final ceremony is closely related to Obatala deity.

Ooni of Ife replacement rumors

Some social media reported the replacement of Wuraola Zaynab Otiti.

Such rumors spread after the official announcement of Olori Wuraola Oba Adeyeye's divorce. Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi was rumored to be considering new candidates for the queen's postion, but the information was not confirmed.