Ile-Ife surged with royal excitement on Thursday as His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, issued a powerful, emotionally charged tribute to Chief Femi Fani-Kayode following his smooth ambassadorial screening at the Senate — a session in which the former minister was asked to simply bow and go.
In a statement that read like a royal proclamation, the Ooni described the Senate’s recognition of Fani-Kayode as “a great honour to the throne, to the Kayode dynasty, to Ifeland, and to the entire Osun State.”
The message, delivered by Sooko (Dr.) Kemade Elugbaju, carried the full weight of the ancient stool of Oduduwa.
The monarch did not hold back in celebrating Fani-Kayode — a man he described as “one of the brightest sons of Ife,” whose lineage is steeped in power, scholarship, spirituality and service.
From his father, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode, the fiery Balogun of Ife and former Deputy Premier of the Western Region…
To his grandfather, Justice Adedapo Kayode, a pioneering judicial reformer…
To his great-grandfather, Rev. Emmanuel Kayode, one of the earliest bearers of Christianity and modern social reforms in Ile-Ife…
The Ooni declared that FFK stands today as a continuation of a dynasty that shaped both Ife and Nigeria.
The statement electrified the kingdom:
“Kabiyesi is proud of you. The people of Ifeland and Osun say: ‘Well done, and more grace.’ You have distinguished yourself as a lover of your people, appointing many Osun indigenes to key aviation parastatals during your tenure. Kabiyesi is confident you will do even more as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The words hit home across Ifeland, sparking jubilation as residents celebrated a moment many described as “a royal validation long overdue.”
The Ooni’s message soared even higher as he thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for granting such an honour to the Kayode lineage:
“May the Lord bless the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. God bless Nigeria.”
For many, today’s events symbolised more than a screening — it was a cultural homecoming, a royal coronation of merit, and a powerful public endorsement from the spiritual leader of the Yoruba race.
As Chief Femi Fani-Kayode awaits final Senate confirmation, the drums of Ife are already beating, heralding what the palace calls “a new chapter of national service for a son of destiny.”
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