Behold New Odole Oodua Gaming magnate, Adebutu Keshington (Photos)

In years to come, those who were there will recount the magnificence of the occasion to their children and children's children. It was sheer colour, glamour and an exhibition of the rich Yoruba culture as Billionaire Business guru and Philanthropist, Sir Kesington Adebutu was installed as Odole Odua.

The whole town shock to its very foundation as celebrated Nigerians including Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Governors of Lagos, Ogun and Osun as well as Deputy Governor of Edo all came to honour this great son of the soil.

From his base at the Ife Grand Resort now run by Chief Wanle Akinboboye's La Campagne Ltd, Sir Kesington was chauffeured in a gleaming new maroon Rolls Royce Phantom( that was specially bought for the occasion) to the palace, he was trailed by a long convoy of exotic cars.

Midway, he stepped down from the wonder on wheels to mount a horse drawn carriage which began a steady but triumphant journey to the Oonirisa Palace. The whole town stand stood still as residents lined both sides of the street  cheering the man of means.

He first went to the Oranmiyan Temple for some rites and then to the Laadin Temple within the Palace before for prayers  before he was officially installed.  He was presented two  gold swords, and other paraphernalia of office amidst cheers by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial  Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Thereafter there was a 5-star reception at a special marquee mounted within the Palace that was efficiently organised by the Planning Committee chaired by Aare Kola Oyefeso.

Ksquare Security was in charge of security and the experienced outfit was stretched to its limit by the deluge of guests.
While Astoria took care of food, Ice Box and Bonix were in charge of drinks. Ace broadcaster, Prince Bisi Olatilo and Gbenga Adeyinka Ist served as Comperes.  King Sunny Ade was the only artiste on stage and he rocked in his usual jolly style till late into the night. It was a fitting finale to a very grand occasion...
Koya Adegbite, Ken Ehimen and Segun Lawal


Gaming magnate, Adebutu Keshington, has hinted that he may not accept any traditional title after his coronation as the Odole Oodua by the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
He said this addressing journalists at a media interactive session facilitated by Comrade Moses Olafare, the Ooni's Director of Media and Public Affairs.

According to him, the importance of the exalted Odole Oodua title is beyond taking another chieftaincy title in order of things in Yoruba land.
A statement by the House of Oduduwa under the leadership of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi,  earlier announced that the prestigious chieftaincy title of Odole Oodua will be conferred on Adebutu a.k.a. Dodondawa or Baba Ijebu on October 19 at the Ile-Oodua, the Ooni’s palace, Ile-Ife.

This will be the first of such conferments by Oba Ogunwusi since his ascension of the throne as the 51st Ooni in the third dynasty of Ife about four years ago.

The Odole is a special office which works closely with the Ooni in rallying the descendants of Oduduwa wherever they are in the world for unity, peace and progress of the race. The Odole Oodua, a position once occupied by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and subsequently by Chief G.O.K Ajayi is a highly revered chieftaincy in Yorubaland pioneered by the great Oranmiyan while he was still a prince of Ife.

Adebutu said he was prepared for his new traditional title, saying the importance of it transcends other chieftaincy tittles.

On how prepared he is for the new challenge, Adebutu said: "Without mincing words, I know the importance of the new title. And for your information, many kings know I won't take any other chieftaincy title after my coronation as Odole Oodua. They also know the importance of it."

Photo credit: Ovation Magazine