By Olaitan Ibrahim
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) CFR, showcased his renowned benevolence by rewarding his palace staff during the Ooni’s Palace Appreciation Day and Award Night 2024.
Held at the palace grounds in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Friday, December 13, the event celebrated the hard work and dedication of the palace staff.
This special ceremony has been an annual tradition since 2021, powered by the Hopesalive Africa Initiative (HAI).
This year’s event was particularly memorable, thanks to the support of corporate partners who identified with Oba Enitan-Ogunwusi’s noble and benevolent spirit.
Recognition awards were presented to outstanding employees, with corporate sponsors also contributing to the King’s grand gesture to reward excellence.
The star prize of the evening was a remarkable one, with the Ooni himself presenting two new cars and N1.5 million each to Opeyemi Ibrahim and Femi Awe. Lateef Abdulahi, who was named the second-best staff of the year, received N750,000 and an electric motorbike.
The forty-seven winners of the best staff award received a surprise sum of N3 million along with bags of rice from the king, while the heads of departments also received N3 million.
The Ooni of Ife also rewarded four chiefs with N500,000 each and gift items.
In a heartfelt moment, the Ooni called for a standing ovation to celebrate Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, whom he described as the torch that lit his steps to impact humanity.
Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, the chief organizer of the event, paid royal tribute to the Ooni of Ife, highlighting his selfless, humble, and charitable spirit.
She praised the staff around the King, describing them as tireless and dedicated, and the unsung heroes behind the King’s success.
In her address, Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi expressed her gratitude and admiration for the staff, acknowledging their vital role in maintaining the dignity, harmony, and excellence of the royal house.
She encouraged them to persevere and stay motivated, as their dedication is crucial to the success of the King’s reign.
M. Chidi Amos, the Chief Coordinator of HAI, described the annual event as an initiative to elevate excellence and reward the dedication and patriotic services rendered to the throne by palace staff.