The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has praised President Bola Tinubu for naming the National Arts Theatre in honour of Prof. Wole Soyinka and expressed his commitment to supporting the return-to-Africa initiative targeted at Africans in the Diaspora.
He gave the commendation at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during a visit by Soyinka, who was there to rally backing for the project.
During the meeting, Soyinka and his delegation discussed ongoing efforts to facilitate a symbolic homecoming for people of African descent abroad—especially those in Brazil—encouraging a reconnection with Nigeria and the African continent.
Oba Ogunwusi acknowledged Soyinka’s longstanding work in promoting Yoruba heritage, unity, and global visibility.
In a statement issued by Moses Olafare, spokesperson for the Ooni’s Palace, Soyinka underscored the increasing interest among Diaspora communities, particularly Afro-Brazilians with Yoruba ancestry, to reclaim their historical roots and cultural identity. He stressed the need to provide them with deeper knowledge of the history of slavery to strengthen unity and motivate their return to their ancestral homeland.
He also warned that delays could slow efforts to rebuild links with these communities and noted that their return could contribute meaningfully to economic, cultural, and intellectual growth while fulfilling their desire to reconnect with their origins.
A previous report from May 13, 2025, noted that the Ooni had earlier applauded President Tinubu for prioritising culture as a cornerstone of national identity, cohesion, and international engagement. That acknowledgment was relayed through a statement by Caleb Nor, media aide to the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, following a briefing organised by NICO ahead of the forthcoming World Orisha Congress.
