When City People interviewed the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunnusi 3
months ago he promised to transform the ancient city of Ile Ife starting
from the ancient palace.
He told City People that he was going to revamp the palace and
rebuild all the old structures. He said though it was not going to be an
easy task, he would spend his private money to accomplish all he had to
do. “Its not easy, it’s all about passion, “he told City People . “I
am not perfect. But I have never failed. Even if I am running 50
projects at the same time, one might suffer a bit, than the other but I
have never failed.
Look at my antecedents. I have had challenges. But at the end of the
day I will come out strong. I am used to it. I have always been working
every time of my life. I don’t do any other thing other than work.
I am very focused. I am determined to leave this place better than I met it.”
Truly so. City People can attest to the fact that the Ooni has done a
lot within so short a time to transform his immediate environment.
For instance he has totally revamped the palace of the Ooni in Ile
Ife. Not only has he changed the main gates leading into the palace, he
has tarred all the roads within the palace.
He recently completed the reconstruction of his new residential
complex inside the palace. It took him 5 months to build and that is
where he lives now. He rebuilt the building into a modern day building
and renovated it to his taste.
The building was where the late Ooni Adejoji Aderemi lived. It was
originally built in 1937. It was used as official residence by Oba
Aderemi. It also served as a Olori Morisola Sijuwade’s residence from
1980 to 2015. He has also renovated the Ooni’s office too.
A man of sartorial elegance the Ooni has acquired new limousines
befitting his status. He has a Bentley and a Rolls Royce Phantom.