On the 24th November 2017, His Imperial Majesty The Ooni of Ife visited Birmingham ahead of attending The Phoenix Newspaper Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation 2017 at the ICC Birmingham on the 25th November. During his itinerary he visited a number of important locations across the city, bringing with him his own inimitable flair and grace.

Nehemiah UCHA

A proud, yet humbled, Ms McLaughlin by his side – aided by TPN Media Chair, Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee - The Ooni would fire excitement and huge anticipation with his first visit, to Nehemiah UCHA, a retirement living scheme, in Aston.

Enabled by Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE OD VLL, the meeting at Nehemiah’s Plummers House shared best practices of assisted living and retirement schemes which the Ooni stated would be good to take back to Ile-Ife to improve the situtation over there.

Following a showing of respect by his Kings and Chiefs, His Imperial Majesty heard about the history of the organisation from Jimmy Ogunshakin, Chairman of Nehemiah UCHA, and Llewellyn Graham, Chief Executive of Nehemiah UCHA and was introduced to Plummer House Scheme Manager Beverley Ramhi before being taken on a tour of the assisted living.

“It was a real honour and very humbling indeed to have been included in His Imperial Majesty’s tour of the West Midlands – and it was our absolute pleasure to meet him and show him around Plummer House,” Llewellyn Graham, Chief Executive of Nehemiah UCHA, says.

The Royal party was given a tour of Plummer House, one of seven retirement schemes and Nehemiah UCHA’s earliest founded scheme, built in 1991. The scheme underwent an extensive refurbishment programme in 2016, benefiting all 37 self-contained flats that house older people, aged 55 and over.

Birmingham City University

At Birmingham City University, in the presence of world renowned former cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, Principal of Birmingham Conservatoire, which is part of BCU, plus other dignitaries including; Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE DL, Dr Beverly Lindsey OBE OD VL, BCU chair, Keith Stokes-Smith (also chair of Birmingham Commonwealth Association), His Imperial Majesty was warmly received.

“Your Royal Highness, you exude love, harmony and hope,” said Dr Neslyn. “And TPN Media gives value to connecting communities as Marcia continues to do wonders as she continues to be a mountain in all our communities.

The Ooni’s visit would provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the large number students of Nigerian/African descent at the seat of learning.

“Birmingham City University is testimony of the multicultural diversity of the city as a whole,” he said. “It’s an honour to be here at BCU. I thank the Vice-Chancellor for taking his time to welcome all of us to this beautiful University. It’s a great honour and we will not forget what you done for us.

"We are proud to be associated with this University and to be in the thoughts and feelings of your students who are potential leaders of our great country of Nigeria and the entire Black race.”

Birmingham City University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Philip Plowden, said: “Our Nigerian scholars are integral to our diversity and success going forward.

“The visit by His Imperial Majesty is a chance for us to reflect on our collective past, present and future, and celebrate the success of our Nigerian students, both here and in their home country.

“I hope this visit will mark the beginning of even more fruitful partnerships between Birmingham City University and Nigeria, and the Yoruba people in particular.” Speeches were also given by Oluwadamilola Adebambo, President of the Nigerian Society at Birmingham City University Students’ Union (BCSU) and Akin Babasanya, University alumnus and President of the Yoruba Descendants in the Midlands. It is thought there are almost 100,000 Yoruba people currently living in the UK.

His Imperial Majesty. spoke of the historic significance of Africa and appealed for global unity. “Africa is the next frontier if the entire world. It is a continent that everyone has a stake in. All of humanity has a stake in it.

“Everyone has a cot there, that’s where the entire history of mankind began,” he said. “We belong to one big happy family and that’s what we should preach.”

Following his speech, the Vice-Chancellor announced, that in the Ooni’s honour, a series of partial scholarships would be made available to prospective Yoruba students commencing their studies in 2018 at Birmingham City University.

The scholarship, based on merit, was further marked by the exchange of a commemorative plate from the Vice-Chancellor to His Imperial Majesty.

The event at Birmingham City University concluded with a performance from a Nigerian student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Classical singer John Eclou from Edo State was accompanied by pianist postgraduate Stefanos Politsakis before gifts were exchanged on stage.

“I hope today will mark the beginning of even more fruitful partnerships between Birmingham City University and Nigeria, and the Yoruba people in particular,” Professor Plowden said.

The Lord Mayor & Birmingham City Council

His impact took on greater awareness when his entourage, led by the ever-present band of hearty musicians, marked his presence at Birmingham City Council.

It’s the 18th Anniversary of the ever-popular German Market, in Birmingham, and even the thousands of revellers there, and stall holders, stood to attention to greet the royal entourage.

“I feel blessed to be able to witness Royalty in our midst,” one on-looker said. Explaining the present structure and future strategy of Nigeria, on a world stage, The Ooni said: “We must make provisions for a growing population with extensive amounts of money going towards our youth.”

On an eco-political stance, he went on: “With Birmingham being the centre for gold, in particular, and jewellery in general, the links between us two can be unending. “We just have to remain transparent with our minerals and raw materials.”

Continuing, he said: “As the ‘Mirror of Africa,’ we have to be more pro-active with Birmingham-based companies setting up in Nigeria – through trade missions and the likes.``

“With oil and gas already prominent in the country, we are in a position to open more commercial properties on a grander scale.

“After all, the largest diamond bolder in world history was found in the Yoruba kingdom and originally used to light up that country.

“Now we are looking to open strategic partnerships to work with us…not abuse us, and also create exchange programmes that would be mutually beneficial.”

“Connections with the commonwealth is vital for all parties,” was the Council’s reply. “It’s about what we can deliver to you as well as what you can to us.

“We are happy and willing to discuss a focal point to work from.” A commitment endorsed by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO, Jerry Blackett, who highlighted the city’s “big appetite to explore new opportunities since Brexit.

“After all, when British people first visited Nigeria the first people they came across were the Yoruba people.”

An opportunity it was for His Royal Highness to, as he did at his previous visits, present a gift to Birmingham Lord Mayor, Councillor Anne Underwood; a bronze embossed framed figurine depicting the history of the Yoruba Kingdom in Nigeria and worldwide. TPN Media chair, Dr Neslyn, added: “We look to the future with a new vision and understanding with us at the forefront.”

Yoruba Descendants Midlands

As part of The Phoenix Newspaper’s itinerary for His Imperial Majesty The Ooni of Ile Ife, the King visited a Yoruba Descendants Midlands gathering in Birmingham.

Meeting with the members of YDM, lead by Mr Stephen Akin Babasanya, the Ooni felt at ease and comfortable as he laughed and jokes, speaking the Yoruba language all the way. It was a lovely slice of home for His Imperial Majesty, before retiring back to his hotel with his hosts, TPN Media and his entourage of Kings and Chiefs.

In attendance were John Okundaye of Jecom and Co Accountants, and Olusegun Dosumu, Professor at Newman University and Doctoral Researcher at Birmingham City University.

Nishkam Centre & GNNSJ

On the morning of the 25th November, mere hours before he was to attend The Phoenix Newspaper 7th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation at the ICC, His Imperial Majesty, The Ooni of Ife arrived at the Nishkam Centre on Soho Road.

With a congregation standing waiting in white for the King, he was received by Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh OBE KSG, Chairman of the centre.

Presented with flowers, signifying love and warm welcome, he was ushered into the Gurdwara where he was shown around, offering flowers and prayers at various points within the Gurdwara.

The Ooni offered and presented a flower to the center as a sign of love and peace in return.

It was a remarkable visit for His Imperial Majesty as the centre was well built and decorated with gold. The Nishkam Centre is a Sikh faith-led organization working for the benefit of all communities.

The organisation is known for its mission to enrich mundane life through the practice and promotion of the Sikh values which is earning an honest living, sharing and active volunteering that are embedded in their spiritual and Dharmic heritage.

The Ooni and his entourage enjoyed Langar, the sharing of food that is available to everyone at the Gurdwara every day regardless of status, religion or race. His Imperial Majesty was later entertained with a warm reception to show appreciation of his visit to Nishkam Centre.

He was presented with various gifts in recognitions of his visit and His Imperial Majesty in a swift reaction made a presentation to the Centre itself for their kind gesture done to him and his entourage.