Ooni Of Ife
By Ope Ayoola
Aliko Dangote, the chairman of Dangote Group, recently shared a remarkable story about how the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, helped remove 19 shrines from the construction site of his refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. According to Dangote, the presence of these shrines had stalled progress on the project, with workers hesitant to approach the area.
The Ooni personally visited the site and boldly ordered the removal of the shrines, saying “Remove all of them. Let the gods come and talk to me.” Dangote credited the Ooni’s intervention as the turning point that allowed the project to move forward, stating, “Without that singular act of yours, I don’t think we would have been able to build the refinery”.
The incident highlights the Ooni’s influence and spiritual authority in Yoruba culture. Dangote expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart” for enabling the construction of the refinery. The anecdote drew laughter and applause from the audience at an event where Dangote shared the story.
The removal of the shrines paved the way for the construction of Africa’s largest refinery, a significant milestone for Nigeria’s economy. The project is expected to boost the country’s oil production and create thousands of jobs.
Dangote’s story showcases the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional beliefs. The Ooni’s intervention demonstrates the role that traditional leaders can play in facilitating development projects and promoting economic growth
The incident has been widely reported and has sparked conversations about the intersection of culture, tradition, and modern development in Nigeria.
