Monarchs conference documents, letters and speeches

Monarchs Conference on the Economics of Culture and Spirit of Peace Agenda African Union Permanent Observer to the United Nations 305 East 47th Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10017 Friday, June 10, 2016

WELCOME 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Exhibition and Reception (Lunch)/Royal Talking drum by: Owen Egharevba

1:15 pm to 1:20 am

Call to Order: H.E Ambassador Anthony Bosah (Acting Ambassador) Charge d’ Affaires Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations

1:21 pm to 1:25 pm

African Union Anthem by Beverly Lemoha

1:26pm to 1:31 pm

American National Anthem: Amanda Holey

1:32pm to 1:37 pm

Nigerian National Anthem by Beverly Lemoha

1:40pm to 1:50 pm

Welcome Statement by Head of Mission: His Excellency Ambassador Tete Antonio, African Union Permanent Observer to the United Nations

OPENING 1:50pm to 2:01pm

Keynote Addresses: Secretary of the National Council of Nigerian Traditional Rulers: His Royal Majesty, Oba, Adedapo Aderemi A. A. – Alaremo of Ido

2:02 pm to 2:07pm

Maasai Royal Sacred Dance Performance by Mary Simat, Executive Director of Maasai Women for Education and Economic Development

2:08 pm to 2:27 pm

Message from Mr. Danny Glover (Movie, Producer, Actor, Activist, Philanthropist) Power of Dreams Award by Dr. Monica Sanchez, President CARICOM Foundation

2:30pm to 2:35 pm

Ambassador Mr. Guy Djoken President & CEO U.S. Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations (African Traditional Leaders and Global Peace)

2:35pm to 2:45 pm

His Royal Highness Oba James Oladipo Aroko-Ola Buremoh, Ajagungbade 1, The Onidera of Idera, State of the Youths in Kwara State, Nigeria

MAIN

2:46pm to 3:16pm

A Welcome to Our shores is out of respect and honor. It is a ceremony performed by North American Indigenous Tribal Chiefs to welcome visitors to their traditional lands.

By Ambassador Wômpimeequin Wampatuck of the United Indigenous peoples and Tribes of the Americas to the United Nations.

3:16pm to 3:20 pm

Ayanbirin: The Mother Drum of Africa (Performing with Talking Drum)

3:21 pm to 3:31 pm

His Imperial Majesty, Oba, Dr. Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife Chairman of the National Council of Nigerian Traditional Rulers Speaks – Monarch’s Objectives, Goals, Visions, and Call to Action

3:33 pm to 4:00 pm

Public Service and diligent Leadership Recognition and Awards by New York State and The State of New Jersey Government Officials. Including Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, Senator Ron Rice/Chair of the NJ Legislature Black Caucus and others from

NJ and See list of attendees. Officiated by Trustee and Assemblyman Emeritus Mr. Carmelo G. Garcia, MSIS, IM, CPM 4:00pm to 4:20 pm

UCT International Culture Development special message of support and welcome gifts from the Chinese Community to the Kings. By President of UCT Li-Ying Li

4:20 pm to 4:30 pm

World Cultural Harmony Music Orchestra with Yacouba Sissoko, Sacha Chavez and Ensemble 212 (World Cultural Harmony traditional string Symphonic Orchestra)

4:30 pm to 4:50 pm

Royal Fashion Exhibition and Award Programs: John Blassingame Presentation of Gift to the Kings and Queens

4:50 pm to 5:00 pm

World Cultural Harmony Music Orchestra with Yacouba Sissoko, Sacha Chavez and Ensemble 212 (Symphonic Orchestra)

5:00 pm to 5:05 pm

Closing Remark by Wale Idris Ajibade, Executive Director of African Views

Till 6:00 pm

Reception

The Event is Organized by African Views

AFRICAN VIEWS

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1721 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 104, Baltimore, MD 21217.

Toll Free: +1.866.320.4569 Email: info@ooniofifeojaja2.com

May 6, 2016

Subject: Scheduling a Press Conference and Human Spirit Award for the Ooni in New York Dear Prince Ayotunde Adebayo Isadipe: On behalf of AV (African Views Organization), allow me to congratulate you on putting together the Ooni and other scion of the Oduduwa Kings of Yorubaland’s visit to the United States. Allow me to wish you and your team success in every aspect of your objectives, goals, and expectations. No one understands the important of this initiative more than the members and associates of African Views Organization. As I have discussed with you during our several engagements over the phone, we are working on the Spirit of Peace initiative scheduled for August 2017 and we need your support. The event involves the equal participation of indigenous American and African rulers. It focuses on highlighting and observing the role of culture in security and sustainable development. The main objective of the event is to identify the areas and available roles that indigenous institutions can take leadership for harmony, peace and security. For months now, we have been working diligently under the directives of the steering committee of Kabiesi Oba Alayemore, Dr. Julius Garvey (son of Marcus Garvey), Honorable Dr. Barryl Biekman of Suriname and the Netherlands, Honorable Khafra Kambon, Chairman of the Emancipation Committee of Trinidad and Tobago, Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia, His Excellency Ambassador Antonio Toriello, and Honorable Tony Regusters. We also have Mrs. Regina Askia Williams, Chairman William A. Verdone, Ms. Bukola Shonuga (President of NIDO New York), Ms. Senait Admassu, Mr. Philly Jemba (VP of Uganda International Theater Institute), Mr. Omolungo Kato (emissary of the Kabaka of Uganda), Ms. Zakiya Bey (Consultant the Native American Council), Princess Dolapo Adedapo, Lena Prince Nchako, Dr. Leong Yong, Dr. Francisca Nkadi, Mrs. Margaret Garden of South Africa/Sweden, Professor Adewale Adenle (Arts and Museums consultancy), the Egbe Omo Oduduwa Austria and others.

Although we have diverse cultural background, we are united in the spirit of peace and share the core principles to redefine the role of the traditional system by blending modernity into our cultural values and practices in the redeveloping and redefining the role, status and responsibility of people of African descent in the universal cultural eco-system. All these values are entrenched in the principles of the Decade of the people of African Descent, which follows the Decade of the Indigenous people as declared by the United Nations. We know that His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife shares these values and the vision of peace and security.

We ask that you please make 2-3 hours’ time slot available within your agenda for us to schedule a press conference, a meet, greet, and award bestowment to his majesty during his stay in New York City on June 13 or14 at the Foreign Press Center/Nigeria House / UN complex. This unique opportunity is designed to benefit the interest of the Ooni, the Oduduwa groups, and the spirit of peace conference, as well as the Government and cultural institution Surinamese and the Garifuna who have a keen interest in having the Spirit of Peace event with African kings and the Indigenous people of their country prior to the 2017 event in the US. The time is ripe within the window of opportunity made available by the advent of the Decade of all African peoples to determine our common future and need. As you know, the country Haiti has joined the African Union. The Yoruba peoples in Brazil, Cuba, A framework for information, communication, and collaboration on African affairs worldwide.

223 Park Avenue Garden Floor Hoboken, NJ 07030 United States

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(646) 226-0262 Wale.Ajibade@africanviews.org http://www.africanviews.org http://www.africanreviews.org

Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Surinam, Guyana and other parts of the world outside the Yorubaland are working hard on rehabilitating social- economic, and cultural harmony between all our people and other cultures around the world. The importance of African traditional kings have reached a new height. New kings crowned in the indigenous traditional governance institutions are filled with highly educated individuals with new and unprecedented skill sets, which include empathy and civil intelligence. His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife is exemplary of these new breeds of African traditional leaders. Immediately after his coronation, the Ooni launched several social development empowerment programs. In furtherance of his promise to bring economic prosperity to his people had in January 2016 commissioned seven Made-in-Nigeria coastal buses worth â‚Ś56 million to ease inter-state transportation for the people of Ile-Ife and its environs. He also invited local women from the city and rural areas to participate in his Widow Empowerment initiative, which over 20,000 widows have registered so far. He also recently announced free medical services for the people of the ancient town. During his acceptance speech, the Ooni-elect His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, spoke eloquently and passionately about his visions and determination to bring Ile-Ife to the forefront of economic and social affairs. One of his chief concerns is the progressive development of the youths of IleIfe. An initiative, which could easily be a pilot program for the whole Yorubaland. His efforts, as well as achievement already made, include his intervention in the long and well established Ife and Modakeke conflict. The Ooni is visionary extraordinaire. He speaks peace and possesses selfless desire to serve the people of Ile-Ife, the Yoruba race and all of humanity. He brings hope and clarity of vision.

It is on this basis that we believe that both the Human and African spirit Awards is due and well deserved by His majesty. We will also do all within our capacity to ensure that the Ooni and other Yoruba kings are properly highlighted with a memorable and productive time as well as highlight our gratitude for the Oduduwa group for making this unprecedented opportunity possible. We intend to invite American mainstream media, especially those that serves the African communities and neighborhoods in the US. The Spirit of Peace Initiative brings together African kings, Native American chiefs, and other indigenous leaders throughout the world to share their wisdom by discussing and celebrating the gift of their cultures to humankind. We intend to conclude the conference with a multicultural relay of prayers for healing and peace. The conference is an original initiative of African Views, a nonprofit Organization in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The Organization focuses on the wellbeing of Society by promoting cultural harmony through social research, community assessment, resource mapping, and project development.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely, Wale Idris Ajibade Executive Director, African Views Organization

KEYNOTE SPEECH Good Afternoon

I am HRM Oba(Arc.) Aderemi Adedapo, Secretary, Board of Trustees, I bring you greetings from the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Under The Co-Chairmanship of the Ooni of Ife, & Sultan of Sokoto.

It is a pleasure to be back here in New York. It has always been a home away from home for me. I am always reminded of my student days at Columbia University.

As Nigerian traditional rulers, we often derive our titles from the rulers of independent states or communities that existed before the formation of modern Nigeria. Although we do not have formal political power, in many cases we continue to command respect from our people and have considerable influence.

Though our bearers usually maintain the monarchical styles and titles of our sovereign ancestors, both our independent activities and our relations with the central and regional governments of Nigeria are closer in substance to those of the high nobility of old Europe than to those of actual reigning monarchs.

Modern Nigeria encompasses lands traditionally occupied by highly diverse ethnic groups with very different languages and traditions. In broad terms, the southeast including the Niger Delta was occupied mainly by Igbo and related peoples, the southwest by Yoruba and related peoples and the north by Hausa and Fulani people, with a complex intermingling of different ethnic groups in the Middle Belt between north and south. In total there were (and are) more than 200 distinct ethnic groups.

With independence in 1960, followed by alternating democratic and military governments, the status of the traditional rulers evolved even further. In the north, the emirs finally lost power to the government administration, though said administration was often staffed by traditional notables. Where rulers had previously acquired office strictly through inheritance or through appointment by a council of elders, the government now increasingly became involved in the succession. Thus, in May 1994, the military ruler General Sani Abacha deposed Awwal Ibrahim, Sarkin Zazzau of the Suleja Emirate, although he was subsequently reinstated in January 2000.

In some cases, the government has merged or split traditional domains. For example, there had been two rulers of the Efik people in the area around Calabar, but in December 1970 it was agreed to combine the office into a single one that was to be held by a ruler known as the Obong. When Yobe State was created there were just four emirates, but in January 2000 the state governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim restructured the state into 13. The government has maintained colonial classifications. Thus when Kwara State governor Bukola Saraki appointed three new monarchs in August 2010, the new Emir of Kaiama was designated a first class traditional ruler while the Onigosun of Igosun and Alaran of Aran-Orin were designated Third Class monarchs.

The National Council of Nigeria Traditional Rulers consist of 10 Trustees.

It was founded in _____________ The aims and objectives of the National Council of Nigeria Traditional Rulers are:

To achieve these goals, we believe there must be inclusion and collaboration between democratic government and traditional rulers. the National Council of Nigeria Traditional Rulers are prepared and will to do all in our power to improve the conditions of live of our people. We also believe that the time is ripe to unveil the economics of culture, such as tourism, museums, language schools and so on We need your help and we know that you need ours. Our campaign is within the context of the 16th and 17th United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal, which are peace, justice and strong institutions, and partnership for the goals is all about.

Thank you very much.

Yoruba Monarchs Symposium at the U.S. Smithsonian National Museum of African Art 950 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20560 June 21, 2016

WELCOME 12:15 pm to 1:00 pm

Arrival at Venue Royal Welcoming the kings to the Museum (Entrance)

1:01 pm to 1:20 pm

Quick tour of the Museum with focus on Nigerian Arts

1:20 pm to 1:30 pm

Sitting at the auditorium

OPENING 1:30pm to 1:45pm

The US Smithsonian Welcome Statement

1:45 pm to 2:00pm

Speech by US Smithsonian: address the management of African traditional and religious arts in various contexts in the West and in Africa. How new technologies can help in this role. The importance of broad collaborations in both addressing the illicit trade of historic African art works, but also finding ways to promote new ways of thinking about these works, drawing on Africa's rich past in explorations for the future. The need for a major project to address the richness of Africa's architectural heritage through sustainable preservation efforts, that also enhance new potentials for tourism and economic growth.

MAIN

2:00 pm to 2:20 pm

His Royal Majesty, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, Alayemore of Ido-Osun. His Royal Majesty Oba Alayemore is also the patron and in the steering committee of the worldwide Spirit of Peace initiatives in partnership with all African Kings and Indigenous Tribal Chiefs of the Americas.

2:20pm to 2:45pm

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, OBA ADEYEYE ENITAN OGUNWUSI OJAJA II, THE OONI OF IFE

2:45pm to 3:00 pm

Smithsonian Museum Final Analysis and indication of interest in collaborating and partnering with Africans Kings on cultural and traditional preservation and cultural institutional management (Appreciation and Closing remarks)

The event is co-organized by African Views Organization (AV) & Global Political Solutions (GPS)

African Views Organization www.africanviews.org Wale Idris Ajibade, Executive Director African Views Organization

AFRICAN VIEWS

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June 21, 2016 Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D. Director, Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Washington, DC 20013 colejb@si.edu

Dear Dr. Cole, I have been a staunch admirer of your great work and recognitions over the years. Please allow me to wish you the very best in hosting the Yoruba Monarchs today. My name is Wale Idris Ajibade, I am the Executive Director of African Views, Organization, a nonprofit Organization in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Aaron Manaigo was asked to facilitate hosting of the Kings in DC as partner. I am glad that we are able to reschedule the program; thanks to King Aderemi Adedapo, the Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Dr. Blier, and His Imperial Majesty Oba, Dr. Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife as well as yourself. Please allow me to provide you with the background statement of our interest to host the Kings at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art because I am not able to attend the program in DC today as I am in Rochester, NY and scheduled to be in Vienna, Austria on Wednesday June 22.

The Spirit of Peace initiative planned for June 2017– is a cross cultural conference designed to bring traditional rulers from different part of Africa together with traditional chiefs of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas of North and South America. The purpose of the conference is to explore and identify the roles that culture and cultural institutions can play towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals (16). Since Art is inextricable and inclusive proponent for harmony, peace, and economic security -- we made effort to partner with the International Theater Institute (ITI) and have been partnering with various museums across North and South America to be part of the Spirit of Peace summit in NY and DC. We have recently secured the interest and support of the African Union after successfully hosting the Yoruba Kings an event at the Nelson Mandela conference Room at the AU Mission to the UN’s Office in New York few weeks ago. We hope to make connection with you hosting the Monarchs and we look forward to sharing details of our vision with you and Smithsonian National Museum of African Art at your convenience. I have attached a suggestive program initially drawn for hosting the monarchs on Thursday, June 16 for your perusal if necessary.

African Views is a nonprofit Organization with focus on the wellbeing of Society by promoting cultural harmony through social research, community assessment, resource mapping, and project development. The Organization works in partnership with the United Chiefs of Indigenous peoples and tribes of the Americas, Foundation for Cultural Diversity, African Heritage Foundation, and UNESCO Center for Global Education mission, which works with the World Federation of UNESCO Centers. Please accept our best wishes and assurance of highest consideration.

Sincerely Yours,

Sincerely, Wale Idris Ajibade Executive Director, African Views Organization A framework for information, communication, and collaboration on African affairs worldwide.

223 Park Avenue Garden Floor Hoboken, NJ 07030 United States

PHONE FAX E-MAIL WEB SITE

(646) 226-0262 (888) 737-9853 Wale.Ajibade@africanviews.org http://www.africanviews.org http://www.africanreviews.org

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August 16, 2016 Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D. Director, Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Washington, DC 20013 colejb@si.edu /berryb@si.edu

Dear Dr. Cole, I pray that this letter finds you in good health. We are in deep gratitude and thank you wholeheartedly for hosting His Imperial Majesty Oba, Dr. Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty Oba Aderemi Adedapo - the Alayemore of Ido-Osun, and several other Yoruba monarchs at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art on Tuesday June 21, 2016.

Last week, I called the Museum and spoke with Ms. Bonnie. I informed her about our effort to put together a feedback report for the Traditional Rulers Council and the Ooni of Ife. We therefore ask you to please provide an official feedback from the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art on your overall experience, as well as additional comments, questions or concerns, expectation and outcome. Your feedback will be included in the overall report, which will serve as a documented improvement-reference. Please see additional information about event attached as reminder. Thank you!

Sincerely Yours,

Sincerely, Wale Idris Ajibade Executive Director, African Views Organization

A framework for information, communication, and collaboration on African affairs worldwide.

223 Park Avenue Garden Floor Hoboken, NJ 07030 United States

PHONE FAX E-MAIL WEB SITE

(646) 226-0262 (888) 737-9853 Wale.Ajibade@africanviews.org http://www.africanviews.org http://www.africanreviews.org

Cleveland State University

EngagedScholarship@CSU The Journal of Traditions & Beliefs

Michael Schwartz Library

2016

An Illustrated Introductory Note Regennia N. Williams The RASHAD Center, Inc.

Follow this and additional works at: http://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/jtb Part of the African American Studies Commons, African Languages and Societies Commons, Continental Philosophy Commons, Ethnomusicology Commons, History of Religion Commons, Oral History Commons, Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures Commons, Other Religion Commons, Social History Commons, and the United States History Commons Recommended Citation Williams, Regennia N. (2016) "An Illustrated Introductory Note," The Journal of Traditions & Beliefs: Vol. 2, Article 16.

Available at: http://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/jtb/vol2/iss1/16

This From the Editor is brought to you for free and open access by the Michael Schwartz Library at EngagedScholarship@CSU. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Journal of Traditions & Beliefs by an authorized administrator of EngagedScholarship@CSU. For more information, please contact library.es@csuohio.edu.

Williams: An Illustrated Introductory Note

The RASHAD Center, Inc. 7903 Indian Head Highway, #202 Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745

The RASHAD Center. Inc. is the home of the Initiative for the Study of Religion and Spirituality in the History of Africa and the Diaspora (RASHAD), The Journal of Traditions & Beliefs, and The Traditions & Beliefs Newsletter. Founded in 2016, this non-profit educational organization promotes excellence in the arts and humanities.

July 2016

Dear Readers,

Just before the sixth anniversary of the completion of my 2010 Fulbright Fellowship in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Oba (King) Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), the Ooni of Ile-Ife, would be in Washington, D.C. Having recently relocated to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, I was able to visit the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art, where the Oba, Queen Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi, and their entourage participated in several activities.

The Oba came to share information about the abundant natural, cultural, and human resources of Yorubaland, and to make Americans aware of expanding business opportunities in Nigeria in general. Everything about the event at the museum reminded me of my time in Nigeria, so I requested copies of images documenting this historic visit. Not only did the museum provide copies of their professional photographs, they also gave me permission to publish them in this issue of The Journal of Traditions & Beliefs.

The timing of the Nigerians’ June visit could not have been better for the Initiative for the Study of Religion and Spirituality in the History of Africa and the Diaspora (RASHAD), which is now housed in the Maryland-based RASHAD Center, Inc., a non-profit educational organization. The photographs on the following pages illustrate key aspects of traditional Yoruba culture—including the respect shown to those in positions of authority, the clothing, the jewelry, and the importance of the visual and performing arts.

Several of the contributing scholars for this July 2016 issue of our journal live in, work in, and / or write and teach about Yorubaland. Needless to say, I am very grateful to my co-editor, Dr. Taiwo Soneye, and all of our contributors for allowing us to publish the results of their research.

In closing, I want to express my sincerest thanks to Dr. Amy Staples for providing the photographs and captions for this introductory message.

Sincerely,

Regennia N. Williams, PhD, Editor The Journal of Traditions & Beliefs

Published by EngagedScholarship@CSU, 2016

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The Journal of Traditions & Beliefs, Vol. 2 [2016], Art. 16

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogumwusi, the Ooni of Ife, Nigeria, giving a speech at the National Museum of African Art (NMAfA), Smithsonian Institution (SI), June 21, 2016. Photograph by Franko Khoury, NMAfA/SI.

http://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/jtb/vol2/iss1/16

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Williams: An Illustrated Introductory Note

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogumwusi, the Ooni of Ife, Queen Olori Wuraola, and delegation of prominent Yoruba kings who are part of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN). Photograph by Franko Khoury, NMAfA/SI.

Published by EngagedScholarship@CSU, 2016

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The Journal of Traditions & Beliefs, Vol. 2 [2016], Art. 16

The Ooni of Ife examines colonial photographic albums on display in the exhibition Chief S.O. Alonge: Photographer to the Royal Court of Benin with Senior Archivist and Co-Curator Amy Staples, National Museum of African Art, June 21, 2016. Photograph by Franko Khoury, NMAfA/SI.

http://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/jtb/vol2/iss1/16

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Williams: An Illustrated Introductory Note

Curator Bryna Freyer gives a tour of African Mosaic to the Ooni of Ife and his delegation, National Museum of African Art, June 21, 2016. Photograph by Franko Khoury, NMAfA/SI.

Published by EngagedScholarship@CSU, 2016

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The Journal of Traditions & Beliefs, Vol. 2 [2016], Art. 16

The Ooni of Ife presents a decorative plaque depicting Shango, the god of thunder, to Christine Mullen Kreamer, Deputy Director and Chief Curator, National Museum of African Art, June 21, 2016.

Photograph by Franko Khoury, NMAfA/SI.

http://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/jtb/vol2/iss1/16

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Yoruba Monarchs National Geographic’s Genographic Project The National Geographic Headquarters & Museum1145 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20036 June 21, 2016

WELCOME 3:45 pm to 4:00 pm

Arrival at Venue Royal Welcoming the kings to the Museum (Entrance)

4:20 pm to 4:30 pm

Sitting at the auditorium

OPENING Welcome Statement: Introduction to the National Geographic’s Genographic Project 4:30pm to 4:45pm

4:45 pm to 5:00pm

Speech by Dr. Miguel Vilar, Director Science & Exploration/ Geno 2.0 Project: GPS talks about the importance of advanced DNA analysis, and how learning more about oneself through this simple process can have a powerful healing effect on those whose ancestors were enslaved and brought across the Atlantic. The overall goal to provide African Americans the opportunity to trace their heritage directly to their roots as well as to determine if there are any direct or indirect linkages to any of the royal bloodlines or kingdom.

GPS /National Geographic explains procedure and distributes the Genome Kit to the kings

MAIN

5:00 pm to 5:20 pm

His Royal Majesty, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, Alayemore of Ido-Osun. His Royal Majesty Oba Alayemore is also the patron and in the steering committee of the worldwide Spirit of Peace initiatives in partnership with all African Kings and Indigenous Tribal Chiefs of the Americas - speaks about the importance of healing and the role of monarchs in the in rebuilding the ties between the diaspora and the continent.

5:20pm to 5:45pm

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, OBA ADEYEYE ENITAN OGUNWUSI OJAJA II, THE OONI OF IFE: The Ooni will speak in compassion and empathy to the African diaspora Welcomes the Diaspora home to Ile Ife as the cradle of Yoruba people

5:45pm to 6:00 pm

National Geographic Final Analysis and next steps and follow ups with the Africans Kings. (Appreciation and Closing remarks)

The event is co-organized by African Views Organization (AV) & Global Political Solutions (GPS) African Views Organization www.africanviews.org Global Political Solutions www.globalpoliticalsolutions.com Wale Idris Ajibade, Executive Director African Views Organization