What began as the familiar echo of bata drums at the ancient palace of Ile-Ife soon unfolded into a powerful reminder that global stardom can still bow to ancestral roots. On Monday, 22nd December, 2025, the ancient Ile Oodua played host to Nigerian music sensation Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, as Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife formally received him and his mother in a colourful, culture-soaked ceremony that blended royalty, rhythm and remembrance.
Speaking at the fascinating event, Ooni commended the singer for boldly projecting Yoruba culture on the global music stage. The reception, marked by chants, prayers and pulsating traditional music, reflected a deep convergence of heritage and contemporary sound.
Asake arrived at the palace amid cheers, accompanied by popular media personality Idowu Adeyemi (Yhemolee), students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife and a cross-section of fans and supporters. The moment quickly transformed into a cultural spectacle as drums rolled and dancers moved in celebration of a son returning home not just as a star but as a custodian of identity.
In an emotional twist that stirred nostalgia, it was recalled that Asake is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, where his musical journey took shape long before global recognition.
Adding weight to the moment, a respected Female Professor from OAU under whose music group Asake once beat drums as a student was present at the palace. Addressing the Ooni, she confirmed with pride that the former campus drummer has grown into a disciplined, focused and culturally grounded global artiste, declaring that “Asake is doing well and representing where he comes from with honour.”
Speaking during the visit, the award-winning singer expressed profound gratitude to the Ooni for the fatherly reception and royal blessings, describing the experience as humbling and unforgettable. In a spontaneous show of reverence, Asake broke into songs of praise, extolling the virtues of the Ooni and the ancestral greatness of the Odùduwà throne blending hip sounds with traditional homage.
Responding, the Ooni expressed deep joy at welcoming the artiste back home, praising him for remembering his roots and for consistently weaving Yoruba language, rhythm and identity into global music culture. He offered prayers for greater success, invoking Olódùmarè to guide Asake’s path and elevate his craft.
The monarch also paid glowing tribute to Asake’s mother, describing her as the unseen strength behind the music star’s rise. In his words, she is “the true producer of Asake,” whose sacrifices, prayers and steadfast support shaped the man celebrated today.
The atmosphere turned emotional as the Ooni presented her with special royal gifts in recognition of her maternal labour and faith.
In a symbolic gesture sealing the historic visit, the Ooni presented Asake with a sacred Ife artwork, representing history, identity and an unbreakable bond between the global music icon and his ancestral source while the custodians of all the deities including Araba Agbaye Oluisese, Araba Aworeni Makaranwale led prayer sessions for the music icon.
As the drums faded and the palace gates closed, one message lingered in the air: from university rhythms to world stages, Asake’s sound may be global but its soul remains deeply Yoruba and Ile-Ife is extremely proud to say it all started from here.
