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The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has approved the appointment and installation of Chief Saka Awojodu as the new Jaaran Adimula of Ile-Ife, reaffirming the continuity of age-long traditional institutions in the ancient city.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare said the installation rites, which were conducted on Thursday in line with sacred customs and traditions, took place on Thursday at the revered Ile Oodua Palace.
The ceremony attracted palace chiefs, traditional priests, and other key stakeholders within the Ife traditional council.
The Ooni, who was represented at the ceremony by the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura and the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Adekola Adeyeye led the installation rites held at Oke-Emese within the palace premises.
The rites were performed in strict adherence to the customs that have guided the appointment of high-ranking chiefs in Ile-Ife for centuries.
Following the formal installation, the newly installed Jaaran Adimula was accompanied by traditional priests and palace functionaries on a symbolic procession around major compounds and sacred sites across Ile-Ife.
The movement formed part of the spiritual and traditional rites required to formally assume the responsibilities attached to the exalted office.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, urged Chief Saka Awojoodu to discharge his duties with integrity, humility, and unwavering loyalty to the throne of Oduduwa.
He emphasized the importance of preserving the sanctity of the institution and upholding the customs that define the identity of the Ife people.
Also addressing the gathering, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, encouraged the new Jaaran to see his elevation as a call to greater service.
He charged him to work harmoniously with other kingmakers and palace chiefs to strengthen unity within the traditional council and contribute meaningfully to the growth and stability of Ile-Ife.
In his acceptance remarks, Chief Saka Awojoodu expressed profound gratitude to the Ooni for finding him worthy of the prestigious office.
He pledged his unalloyed loyalty to the throne and promised to uphold the traditions, values, and responsibilities associated with the title of Jaaran Adimula.
He assured the palace and the entire Ife community that he would serve diligently, protect the cultural heritage of the land, and support initiatives aimed at sustaining peace, development, and unity in Ile-Ife.
Prior to his installation, Chief Awojoodu held the title of Yegbata of Ife and served as the head of the Emeses at the Ooni’s Palace, positions that prepared him for his new role within the hierarchy of the traditional institution.
The Jaaran Adimula is a senior member of the Ife kingmakers and plays a pivotal role in traditional matters, including succession processes and advisory functions within the palace.
By traditional ranking, the Jaaran is next in hierarchy to the Lowa Adimula. Notably, the current Lowa Adimula, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, previously held the position of Jaaran Adimula before his installation by Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi as Lowa Adimula.
