A Royal Audience: How Prof. Dibu Ojerinde is Bridging the Gap Between Ife’s Sacred Throne and the Next Generation

By David Alani Ige (The Scribe)| Publisher, Ayekooto Media

July 19, 2026

 

ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE — To step into the majestic Palace of the Ooni of Ife is to step into the very cradle of the Yoruba race. There is a profound, almost tangible weight of history that hangs in the air around the Enuwa Palace—a sacred aura that reminds you that you are walking on the exact soil where the blueprint of our civilization was drawn.

This weekend, I had the profound honor and rare privilege of being granted a private audience with the Arole Oduduwa, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. 

But as any true son of Yoruba land knows, a young man does not simply walk into the presence of the gods without the guiding hand of an elder. For this monumental milestone in my career and the journey of Ayekooto Media, that guiding hand belonged to the esteemed Prof. Dibu Ojerinde. 

The Bridge Builder

In our society, influence is often hoarded. Yet, Prof. Ojerinde continues to stand out as a towering exception—a true father figure and a lifter of men. He is a man who understands that the future of our culture, our media, and our communities relies entirely on how well the elders connect the younger generation to the pillars of our heritage.

 

By facilitating this royal audience, Prof. Ojerinde did more than just open a physical door; he built a bridge between the ancient wisdom of the throne and the modern pen of a young publisher. He is, without a doubt, an angel in human form to those of us privileged enough to be guided by his light. It takes a leader with a pure heart to use his immense goodwill to elevate the youth, and for that, my gratitude to him is eternal.

In the Presence of the Arole Oduduwa

Meeting Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi is an experience that humbles and inspires simultaneously. Despite carrying the immense spiritual and cultural weight of the Yoruba race, Kabiyesi’s aura is remarkably warm, welcoming, and deeply intellectual. 

During our audience, what struck me most was Kabiyesi’s unwavering passion for the youth and his profound understanding of the media’s role in shaping our narrative. The Arole Oduduwa does not view our culture as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing force that must be protected and projected by young, truthful voices. He spoke with the grace of a king and the vision of a Pan-African leader, leaving me with words of wisdom that will permanently alter the trajectory of my journalism. 

The Mandate Forward

As I left the palace grounds, carrying the royal blessings of the Ooni and the fatherly backing of Prof. Ojerinde, my resolve was hardened. 

Ayekooto Media was built to archive the unvarnished truth and the blueprint of our greatness. This visit has cemented our mandate. We will continue to wield our pen with respect, neutrality, and courage. We will honor the elders who pave the way for us, and we will fiercely protect the heritage that the Arole Oduduwa so majestically represents. 

To the Ooni of Ife: Kí adé pe lori, kí bàtà pẹ́ lẹ́sẹ̀, Kabiyesi.

To Prof. Dibu Ojerinde: Thank you, my Father, for handing me the key to this monumental door. 

David Alani  Ige

Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief Ayekooto Media

Phunshor01@gmail.com | publisher@ayekootomediang.com

Documenting the Blueprint of Yoruba Heritage and Greatness.