By Lynette P
It was a historic day for Nottingham when a Nigerian king visited the city for the first time.
The monarch – full name and title His Imperial Majesty Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II – was given a rousing welcome by the city’s African community.
The ruler, who is one of the most influential among the Yoruba people, Nigeria’s second biggest ethnic group, was greeted outside the Council House with a loud and colourful spectacle of singing and dancing.
Dr Olusegun Oluwole, of the the Yoruba Community Association of Nottingham and Notts, said it was a massive occasion and a great honour.
“In the 300 years of British-Nigeria history he is the first monarch to make a state visit outside London in Nottingham,” he said.
“This is important for Nottingham – it is important for Africa.”
Some of the guests at the civic reception.
The monarch, whose kingdom is in present-day Osun state in south-west Nigeria, was crowned in December 2015.
He was welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham Councillor Mohammed Saghir, who said: “We’re extremely proud to welcome the Ooni of Ife to Nottingham.
“I hope we can show you some of the things that make us proud of our city.”
Councillor Patience Uloma Ifediora, the first African woman to be elected onto Nottingham City Council, told the ruler: “I am honoured to have you here. I have rushed out of a committee meeting to meet you.”
The king told guests that he was humbled and privileged.
“I will never forget today,” he said, before signing the guest book: “Indeed a major history has been made by my visit to Nottingham today.
Signing the guest book at the Council House.
“This will go a very long way to the Yoruba community here and Nigeria as a whole.”
A business meeting followed the civic reception.
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