By Kayode Olopade
The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Alberta, Canada, for their warmth, hospitality and support during the historic Oodua Global Concert held in Calgary.
The monarch also reaffirmed his commitment to deepening cultural ties between the Palace of Ife and African diaspora communities across Canada and beyond.
The Ooni’s message was delivered by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, at the cultural concert held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the prestigious Jack Singer Concert Hall, Werklund Centre, Calgary, Alberta.
The event, organised by the Okin International Cultural Association Canada, brought together members of the Yoruba community, African-Caribbean groups and multicultural communities to celebrate heritage, culture and unity.
Representing the monarch, Olafare conveyed the Ooni’s profound gratitude to the Alberta Provincial Government and the people of the province for their hospitality and goodwill towards the royal delegation.
He particularly appreciated Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith, for her warm welcome letter to the Palace of Ife, while also commending Minister Rajan Sawhney for her support and assistance with protocol arrangements, describing their efforts as “going above and beyond.”
According to him, although some protocol challenges beyond the control of the Alberta Government prevented the Ooni from attending the event personally, the monarch ensured that a high-powered delegation represented him.
“Baba would have loved to be here in person today, but certain protocol issues made it impossible. However, because of his commitment and love for his people across the world, he ensured that he was ably represented by a delegation from the Ife Royal Family and senior palace officials,” Olafare said.
He assured the Yoruba community and other African diaspora groups in Alberta that the Ooni remains committed to visiting Calgary and the province once outstanding arrangements are resolved.
Olafare also extended the greetings of the Ooni to Oduduwa descendants in Alberta, particularly Dr. Akin Osakuade, a Calgary-based medical practitioner, whose vision and dedication contributed significantly to the success of the Oodua Global Concert.
The Ooni also commended the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary, Yoruba Foundation of Calgary and Edmonton, Okin International Cultural Association, and other cultural organisations for their collective efforts in promoting unity and preserving African heritage abroad.
He praised members of the planning committee, including Dr. Akin Osakuade, Joshua Apesinola, Mrs. Kemi Adeyemi and Caribbean national Derick Obafemi Greer, for their commitment towards creating a platform that fostered togetherness among descendants of Oduduwa in Canada.
Speaking on the monarch’s global cultural mission, Olafare noted that since his coronation in 2015, Ooni Ogunwusi had pursued an 11-point agenda aimed at promoting cultural revival, reconnecting Africans in the diaspora with Ile-Ife and strengthening Pan-African identity.
He recalled the Ooni’s engagements with global leaders and institutions, including his participation at the Afro-Caribbean Summit in Washington DC, his recognition by the British Royal Family at Buckingham Palace, and his diplomatic engagements in Ghana.
According to him, these initiatives were part of the monarch’s broader vision of reconnecting people of African descent worldwide with their ancestral roots.
“This would have been the Ooni’s fourth visit to Canada. His previous visits were to Toronto and Ottawa. Whenever the opportunity comes again, Baba Ooni will gladly visit Calgary and Alberta because what he enjoys most is connecting with his people across the globe,” Olafare added.
The colourful concert featured a thrilling performance by Afro-pop star, Adekunle Gold, whose live performance electrified the audience, particularly young members of the community who sang and danced along throughout the show.
The Ooni’s delegation comprised Sooko Laekun of Ife and Head of Ife Princes, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi; Princess Foladade Ogunwusi-Fadairo; and Otunba Moses Olafare.
The delegation later visited Banff, Alberta, to experience the province’s tourism attractions before departing Canada for Nigeria through Washington DC.
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