Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II, the Ooni of Ife, has denied news reports that he was challenging the streaming of stage production, Moremi the Musical on YouTube.
Moremi began streaming on Sunday, April 26, 2020, attracting thousands of viewers. However, controversy followed the streaming, as the Ooni of Ife allegedly threatened to go against the play streaming in court.
Putting the controversy to rest, the monarch said he never opposed the streaming of the stage play; adding that he’has no interest in going to court.
While dissociating his organisation, The House of Oduduwa, from any comment opposing Moremi’s streaming, Ooni said he appreciated the fruitful relationship between the palace and Bolanle Austen-Peters, the Director of the stage play.
The King commended her creativity and effort. He said the Royal Palace was open to future collaborations with her; considering her contributions to the cultural space in Nigeria and Yorubaland.
Oba Ogunwusi also commended the Vice-Chair of the House of Oduduwa, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, and former Ogun State First Lady, Funsho Amosun, for their contributions to realising Moremi.
While advising detractors to stay off the matter, the monarch maintained that he is open to many productions like Moremi.
Ooni’s statement read:
“The House of Oduduwa completely dissociates itself from all unauthorised statements purportedly issued on behalf of the House of Oduduwa seeking to condemn the streaming of the play or seeking court redress.
“Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters (She is a Princess indeed from Awujale Royal Dynasty, Ijebu-Ode) (née Afe Babalola, one of the most respected families in the entire house of Oduduwa) is a daughter of Oduduwa. As such we cannot be in dispute with her; more so that the House of Oduduwa had a fruitful working relationship with her in creating Moremi the Musical.
“Princess Ronke Ademiluyi is a princess from the source and a descendant of Oduduwa who is the ambassador to QMA initiatives.
“We recognise the value that Mrs. Austen-Peters has brought to the cultural space in Nigeria, especially in Yorubaland; we look forward to constantly working with her in the future to continue to propagate the advancement of culture, tradition, and heritage of the entire Yoruba race.
“The House of Oduduwa also recognises the impact Princess Ronke Ademiluyi has made in the fashion/culture industry space and also working along with the expertise of Mrs. Bolanle Austen Peters to bring this outstanding theatre to the public space with the great assistance of Chief Mrs. Funsho Amosun – The Moremi of the entire race herself…
“As the cultural custodian of Moremi story/heritage, the House of Oduduwa is happy for as many productions of the story of Moremi Ajasoro, the legendary heroine from Ile-Ife as possible.
“Detractors of any sort, kindly stay off this matter… Let us all focus on developing the great heritage of our ancestors.”
About the play
On the off chance that you are yet to see the stage play, eelive.ng has got your back. Moremi is a 90 minutes musical stageplay, celebrating the legacy of the Yoruba Land heroine.
The play particularly tells the story of the legendary Queen Moremi Ajasoro; how she sacrificed herself and her son to end the trafficking of women and children.
Moremi is a collaboration between Austen-Peters and Ooni of Ife’s House of Oduduwa, which made the play streaming controversial.
Will Ooni’s response put the controversy to rest?
