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    Ooni formally receives Queen Opeoluwa with palace traditional rites (Videos)

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    [dropcap]A[/dropcap]role Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwui,CFR, Ojaja II, The Ooni of Ife has formally received his wife, Olori(Dr) Opeoluwa Elizabeth Akinmuda in line with customs and traditions of the Ife Kingdom known as source of the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.

    The two day event which started with the historic arrival of the queen at the Ile-Oodua palace of the Ooni in Ile-Ife at about 8:pm on Friday in company of her parent, family members and friends, also continued on Saturday with a brief thanksgiving service 11am and 12 midday inside the banquet room at the palace followed by a 2 hour recess to allow for other rites and subsequently climaxed by the reception party and entertainment of guests at main hall right inside palace lasted the whole day.

    Friday

    The queen being ushered in by a group of women into the palace after she was received by a retinue of the Ooni’s traditional aides known as ‘Emese Ooni’ who led her to the Sacred “Yemoolu Well” to perform her first assignment as an Ooni’s wife. She was told a brief history of “Yemoolu” a one time Ooni’s queen who transformed to the sacred well which has since become mandatory Ooni’s water for drinking and other important uses at the palace.

    Having administered the Yemoolu rites on her, the Queen was escorted to the official residence of the Ooni where the waiting Ife high chiefs and Iyalodes led by The Lowa Adimula of Ife, High Chief Adekola Adeyeye rained traditional prayers on her and officially received her into the Ile-Oodua(palace ) before she was handed over by her father to the Olori Agba(most senior wife) in the Ogunwusi Royal family, Olori Margret Ogunwusi who handed her to Olori Mariam flanked by Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi.

    Having been received by her husband, Queen Elizabeth was made to sit beside her husband as the rites continued till about 10pm before she was finally led to her residence which is less than 50 meters from the Ooni’s official residence.

    Saturday

    The colourful wedding ceremony which took inside the Multipurpose hall at the palace was witnessed by creme-de-la-creme of the society including the Olota of Ota Awori, HRM, Oba(Prof) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege. The cutting of the masterpiece cake for the wedding was supervised by the SookoLaekun of Ife, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi who doubles as The Head Of The Princes Of Ife Kingdom.

    Speaking at the event, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Former president of Nigeria represented by King (Dr.) Amalate Turner, Obanobhan of Oloibiri Kingdom, Bayelsa State, expressed happiness to be at the event celebrating with the foremost monarch on his wedding celebration.

    “Ooni Ogunwusi has been a lover of peace and promotes it in every fora he is. Since mounting the throne of his forebears, he has been propagating peace all round the globe and we are very proud of him”. He said.

    It will be recalled that Ooni Ogunwusi had in the first week of October 2022 married Dr Opeoluwa Elizabeth Akinmuda, an Awori Princess room Ajibode Community in Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria, who is a PhD holder and Scotland-UK based Electronic Data Processor. She became his second wife at a traditional wedding engagement in Magodo, Lagos few days after taking Olori Mariam Ogunwusi as his first wife.

    The formal entry to the Ooni’s Palace by the queen is in fulfillment of the necessary spiritual and traditional rites in accordance with inherited royal wedding culture of Ile-Ife.

    @freelanews Ooni Ogunwusi and Olori Lizzy Akinmuda Ogunwusi officially becomes one today #naijapolitics #tiktoknaija #foryou #trending #fyp #goviral ♬ original sound – GOD❤️IS🥰 THE🤲BEST🙏💯

    @freelanews Ooni arrives his wedding reception #ileife #ooni #goviral #fyp #foryou #trending #tiktoknaija ♬ original sound – Freelanews

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    Sanwo-Olu celebrates the resounding return of the Lagos Fanti Carnival

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    Lagos Fanti Carnival return

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu lauded the return of the vibrant Lagos Fanti Carnival as a powerful reconnection to the city’s cultural roots and a celebration of unity

     

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has enthusiastically welcomed the return of the historic Lagos Fanti Carnival, describing it as a radiant celebration of culture, colour, and community that has rekindled the spirit of Lagos.

    Also read: Lagos State announces return of vibrant Fanti Carnival in partnership with Brazil

    Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the significance of the festival, stating, “more than a celebration, [it is] a powerful reconnection to our roots and a revival of a treasured heritage.”

    He highlighted the carnival’s three major showcases: the Afro-Brazilian Food Fair, a Heritage Art Exhibition, and a vibrant Grand Parade, all of which contributed to the day’s splendour.

    Expressing his delight at the overwhelming turnout, the Governor noted that the carnival successfully fostered unity and collective pride among Lagosians. He remarked, “Today, the streets of Lagos Island transformed into a vibrant tapestry of colour, rhythm, and expressions of community.”

    Tracing its origins back to the 1800s, Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that the Fanti Carnival draws significant influence from Afro-Brazilian returnees who brought with them samba rhythms, ornate costumes, and architectural brilliance that have profoundly shaped the cultural identity of Lagos Island.

    Today, we were part of something truly special, the return of the Lagos Fanti Carnival. It wasn’t just a celebration; it was a powerful reconnection to our roots, a revival of a cultural legacy that has shaped who we are,” said Governor Sanwo-Olu.

    “The Fanti Carnival, with roots dating back to the 1800s, was enriched by Afro-Brazilian returnees who brought not only samba beats and intricate costumes but also architectural artistry,” he stated. “Today, we experienced the return of this historic event and the unique cultural identity of Lagos Island.”

    This year’s exceptional carnival featured a diverse range of attractions, including an Afro-Brazilian Food Showcase, a Heritage Art Exhibition, and the grand parade.

    Attendees were treated to captivating performances by local musicians and dancers, as well as cultural groups showcasing traditional masquerades and energetic samba-inspired drum ensembles.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by saying, “It was an absolute pleasure to see so many people come together to embrace the spirit of unity, resilience, and joy that the Fanti Carnival embodies.”

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    Wizkid documentary, ‘Love Live Lagos,’ to premiere at Tribeca Film Festival

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    Wizkid Documentary Tribeca

    A documentary chronicling the life and global impact of Nigerian music icon Wizkid, titled ‘Love Live Lagos,’ is set to premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025

     

    A compelling documentary exploring the extraordinary life and career of Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, globally recognized as Wizkid, is slated to premiere at the esteemed Tribeca Film Festival.

    Also read: Lagos launches seafood festival to boost maritime economy

    Titled Love Live Lagos, the film offers an in-depth look at Wizkid’s remarkable journey from a celebrated Nigerian music artist to an international phenomenon whose influence has paved the way for African musicians on the global stage.

    Love Live Lagos is scheduled for screening at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 6, 7, and 11, 2025, promising audiences an intimate portrayal of the artist’s ascent.

    The documentary features insightful interviews with key individuals who have played pivotal roles in Wizkid’s journey. These include the legendary five-time Grammy-nominated Afrobeat pioneer Femi Kuti, Wizkid’s manager and partner Jada Pollock, his long-term manager Sunday Are, Julia Adenuga, and Seni Saraki. Their perspectives offer a unique and personal glimpse into the support system that has shaped Wizkid’s illustrious career.

    Directed by Karam Gill, Love Live Lagos is being lauded as a powerful narrative that effectively showcases Wizkid’s meteoric rise to global stardom and his profound impact on how Africa is perceived and heard on a global scale through his music.

    Adding another layer of engagement for festival attendees, Wizkid and director Karam Gill are scheduled to host a discussion at the festival. During this session, the Nigerian megastar will share personal insights and reflections on his remarkable career trajectory.

    This significant project marks Wizkid’s return to film-related endeavors, following the release of a short film five years prior to promote the deluxe version of his Grammy-nominated album, Made in Lagos.

    Karam Gill’s documentary further solidifies Wizkid’s enduring legacy, placing him alongside other iconic African musicians such as Fela Kuti and William Onyeabor, whose impactful careers have also been immortalized through film.

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    Nigeria set to host 68th UN tourism commission for Africa meeting in Abuja

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    UN Tourism Africa Meeting

    Nigeria confirms its readiness to host the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting in Abuja from June 11-13, 2025, focusing on sustainable tourism and innovation

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially confirmed its preparedness to host the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja from June 11 to 13, 2025.

    Also read: Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, Creative Economy pays homage to new Alaafin of Oyo, affirms FG’s support for traditional institutions

    The significant event, themed “Boosting the Social Impact and Education in Tourism through Innovation, AI, and the Creative Industries,” aims to foster sustainable tourism development and enhance cultural exchange across the African continent.

    The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr Hannatu Musa Musawa, conveyed Nigeria’s assurance during a courtesy visit from a two-person team representing the United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Minister Musawa expressed Nigeria’s enthusiasm to host this prestigious gathering, emphasizing the nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and its considerable tourism potential.

    “We are excited to host this important event and showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential,” Minister Musawa stated. “We look forward to working closely with the UN Tourism and other stakeholders to make this event a resounding success.”

    A statement released by the Minister’s Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, revealed that the meeting will convene key stakeholders from across the African continent to engage in discussions on strategic policies, explore emerging trends within the tourism sector, and foster crucial collaborations aimed at advancing tourism’s vital role in sustainable development.

    Furthermore, a dedicated technical workshop focusing on innovation and artificial intelligence will be conducted during the meeting. This workshop is designed to build the capacity of local teams in effectively leveraging new technologies to maximize the potential of the tourism sector.

    Earlier in her address, the UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa, Elicia Grandcourt, expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s ability to successfully host the event, citing the country’s positive track record in hosting previous high-level meetings.

    The upcoming event is also expected to provide significant benefits for Nigerian youth by creating empowerment opportunities through the exploration and application of AI and innovation within the tourism and creative industries.

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