Oodua Global Concert: Ooni Applauds Alberta Government, Reaffirms Commitment to African Diaspora

 

By oluwaseyi fadoro 

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Alberta, Canada, for their hospitality and support while reaffirming his commitment to strengthening cultural ties between the Palace of the Ooni and African diaspora communities across Canada.

The monarch's message was delivered by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, during the Oodua Global Concert held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Werklund Centre, Calgary, Alberta. The event was organised by the Okin International Cultural Association Canada and attracted members of the African, Caribbean and multicultural communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Ooni, Olafare conveyed the monarch's gratitude to the Alberta Provincial Government and residents of the province for the warm reception accorded to the royal delegation, which represented him at the event.

He specifically acknowledged Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for her goodwill message to the Palace and commended Minister Rajan Sawhney for her assistance to the delegation on protocol matters, describing the support received as exceptional.

Olafare, however, explained that unresolved protocol issues beyond the control of the Alberta Provincial Government prevented the Ooni from travelling with his full entourage to attend the concert in person.

He said the monarch had looked forward to participating in the event but ensured that a high-powered delegation, comprising members of the Ife Royal Family and senior palace officials, represented him in Calgary.

The delegation assured members of the Yoruba community and the wider African diaspora in Alberta that the Palace remained committed to visiting the province once the outstanding protocol matters are resolved.

Extending the Ooni's greetings to Yoruba descendants living in Alberta, Olafare commended Calgary-based medical practitioner, Dr. Akin Osakuade, for sponsoring and organising the Oodua Global Concert. He also praised the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary, the Yoruba Foundation of Calgary and Edmonton, the Okin Cultural Association and other community organisations for their contributions to the success of the event.

He further recognised members of the planning committee, including Dr. Akin Osakuade, Joshua Apesinola, Mrs. Kemi Adeyemi, Derick Obafemi Greer and others, for their dedication to promoting unity and preserving Yoruba cultural heritage among descendants of Oduduwa living in Alberta.

Reflecting on the Ooni's reign, Olafare said the monarch had consistently pursued initiatives aimed at reconnecting Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral roots since ascending the throne in 2015. According to him, cultural diplomacy remains one of the key pillars of the Ooni's 11-point agenda, with several international engagements undertaken to strengthen relationships between the Yoruba homeland and diaspora communities.

He noted that the Ooni had addressed the Afro-Caribbean Summit in Washington, D.C., in 2016, received an invitation from the British Royal Family at Buckingham Palace, and visited Ghana, where he was hosted by then-President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. During that visit, Olafare recalled, the Ooni was described as "the new face of Pan-Africanism."

He added that the proposed visit to Calgary would have been the monarch's fourth trip to Canada, following previous visits to Toronto and Ottawa, assuring attendees that the Ooni remains eager to visit Alberta in the near future.

The monarch also thanked the organisers and participants for their understanding and goodwill, expressing confidence that a future visit would further strengthen friendship, cultural cooperation and mutual respect between the House of Oduduwa and African diaspora communities in Canada.

The concert featured a headline performance by Nigerian music star Adekunle Gold, whose performance entertained guests and drew enthusiastic participation from members of the audience, particularly young attendees.

Following the event, members of the royal delegation—including the Sooko Laekun of Ife and Head of the Princes of Ife, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi; Princess Foladade Ogunwusi-Fadairo; and Otunba Moses Olafare—visited Banff as part of a tour showcasing Alberta's tourism attractions before departing Canada for Nigeria on Wednesday via Washington, D.C.

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