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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has installed the President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare Oladotun Hassan, as the Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife.
The installation, which took place at Wanikin House and the Ogbooru Amodo Ruling House at the weekend, was confirmed in a statement released yesterday by Otunba Moses Olafare, the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace.
According to the statement, traditional rites and royal blessings were performed by palace priests and Yoruba cultural custodians in accordance with Ile-Ife customs.
The statement noted that the Sooko Agoriesin title holds a strategic place in the Ile-Ife traditional hierarchy and is tied to qualities such as loyalty, service, courage, and a commitment to preserving Yoruba heritage and values.
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Speaking to journalists shortly after the ceremony, Hassan thanked God for the honour and appreciated the Ooni for considering him worthy of the title. He described the installation as a call to greater service to humanity, the Yoruba nation, and the throne of Oduduwa, while reaffirming his loyalty and allegiance to the Ooni of Ife.
Hassan also explained that the role of Sooko represents honour and responsibility within the palace system and is historically regarded as a lieutenant to the Ooni, with a potential pathway to higher leadership—though ultimate authority remains with the Oonirisa.
He stated that he would work to promote peace, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and humanitarian activities to improve people’s well-being. He further noted that his task would be to ensure that the legacies of his forefathers—service, generosity, courage, and humanitarianism—are preserved for future generations.
The Ooni urged Hassan to uphold the integrity of the title and remain dedicated to serving the palace, the Yoruba people, and humanity. He described Hassan as a committed Yoruba ambassador whose work in cultural advocacy, youth mobilisation, and national development has earned recognition both locally and internationally.
The ceremony attracted traditional chiefs, palace officials, cultural enthusiasts, members of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, and dignitaries from across Nigeria.
