_By Adesakin Adefemi
Tuesday, November 25, 2025_
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, a stalwart of African literature and human rights, paid a significant courtesy visit to _Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II_, at Ile Oodua Palace today, urging the monarch’s pivotal support to strengthen cultural, economic, and intellectual ties with Yoruba descendants in Brazil, Cuba, and the global diaspora. The engagement underscores a growing push to revive Africa’s transatlantic heritage and foster _RootsTourism_.
In a statement, Otunba Moses Olafare, Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, said: “The Ooni reaffirms unwavering commitment to global Yoruba unity. Celebrate Soyinka’s iconic legacy. _Rediscover Ife, cradle of Yorùbá civilization_. Build economic bridges and empower diaspora engagement,” as talks unfolded Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
Soyinka stressed Afro-Brazilians’ “burning desire to trace history, ancestors, cultural identity,” warning: “If we don’t act decisively now, this bridge fades into obscurity When they return, they’ll amplify economy, culture, intellect but crave their _sacred origin. We must educate on slavery’s scars and foster dignified return.” He spotlighted Brazil’s _Candomblé_ traditions rooted in Ife.
Professor Wale Adeniran, former Deputy Leader of the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement, lauded Soyinka’s decades-long Pan-African advocacy. “They seek authentic roots, ancestry, heritage. We approach the Ooni, custodian of this origin, for blessing and strategic support,” citing centuries-old Brazil-Ife spiritual links.”
The Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, praised Ooni Ogunwusi’s far-reaching humanitarian interventions: rescued over 2,000 distressed Yoruba migrants from Libya (2019–2023) with aid, shelter, skills training. “A father to all, defender of the vulnerable,” extending compassion to Europe, North America.
Ooni Ogunwusi thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renaming Lagos’ National Theatre the _Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts_: “A well-deserved honour celebrating your monumental contributions to literature, rights, Yoruba pride.” He pledged: “We’ll strengthen bonds, boost RootsTourism, empower youth.”
“We’re delighted to host you, Professor,” the Ooni said. “This divine assignment aligns with your calling—we’ll co-create pathways, revive traditions.” He gifted Soyinka sacred Ife bronze artefacts, symbolizing ancestral unity. A warm handshake sealed collaboration.
Soyinka urged urgency: “Dialogue, return, investment—now. Don’t wait. They revive traditions, inspire youth, and co-shape futures. _Ife’s heartbeat_ must echo globally.” Scholars backed UNESCO heritage listing, _diaspora cultural summits_, youth scholarships.
The visit spotlights cultural revival amid surging diaspora curiosity. Likely next steps: _RootsTourism summits, Ife heritage festivals, Nigeria-Brazil partnerships_.
