Ooni of Ife exhibits ancient Olokun Heritage site in Osun state

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi says there must be conscious efforts to lay the foundation for retrieving all Yoruba artifacts and antiquities that were taken away by the Europeans.

Oba Ogunwusi stated this during the on-site exhibition and opening of the ancient Olokun Heritage site in Ile-ife, Osun State.

According to the Ooni, the site is significant in that, it is the location where the prominent Ori Olokun bronze head was discovered and excavated in 1910 and taken to the British Museum where it is till date.

He said findings from the archeological survey conducted on the site which affirmed that materials for production of glass were sourced in the area in the ancient time, is further attestation that Ile-Ife is the cradle of civilization.

On the repatriation of artifacts and antiquities of Yoruba origin, Ooni Ogunwusi admonished that such call must be genuine and be backed by ability to secure the historical items.

Also Speaking, a researcher from the British Museum, Dr. Abidemi Babalola, explained that he was fascinated to undertake since 2009, the research to affirmed that materials for glass production were source from the site based on report of early researchers.

Babalola called on government to fully maximise the potential in tourism sector for improved revenue generation