The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has commended President Bola Tinubu for renaming the National Arts Theatre after Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and pledged support for the Africans in Diaspora return-to-Africa project.

The royal father spoke at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, while receiving Soyinka, who visited to mobilise support for the project.

Soyinka and his team met with the Ooni to discuss the ongoing initiative for the symbolic return of Africans in the Diaspora, particularly from Brazil, to Africa, Nigeria in particular.

Receiving the team, Oba Ogunwusi noted Soyinka’s lifelong dedication to strengthening Yoruba cultural identity, unity, and global recognition.

Commenting on the Africans in Diaspora return project, Oba Ogunwusi said, “We are always delighted to receive you in Ile-Ife, which is your ancestral home.

“It is clear that this divine assignment aligns with your calling, and we will work together to strengthen the bond between our people and their descendants abroad.

“On behalf of the entire Yoruba race and the Ooni-in-Council, we express our profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for honouring an icon like you. You remain our pride.”

In a statement signed by Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday, Soyinka highlighted the growing desire among Africans in the Diaspora, particularly Afro-Brazilians of Yoruba origin—to reconnect with their history, ancestors, and cultural identity.

He emphasised the importance of educating them on the historical realities of slavery to foster unity and encourage their return to the ancestral land.

“If we do not take decisive steps now, it may take much longer to rebuild this bridge. When they come home, they can contribute to economic, cultural, and intellectual development. But above all, their deepest desire is to rediscover their origin,” Soyinka said.

The PUNCH reported on May 13, 2025, that the Ooni of Ife commended President Tinubu for his administration’s growing recognition of culture as a vital pillar of national identity, unity, and international diplomacy.

The commendation was contained in a statement signed by Mr Caleb Nor, Media Assistant to the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation.

The statement quoted the traditional ruler as giving the commendation during a media conference organised by NICO to herald the upcoming World Orisha Congress. (The PUNCH)

• L-R: Mrs Folake Soyinka; Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during Ooni’s meeting with Soyinka on the state of the nation in Abeokuta, Ogun State... on Thursday. Photo: Ooni of Ife Palace