The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has hosted the 2026 edition of the annual Church Choir Competition as part of activities marking the Easter celebration, rewarding outstanding church choirs with cash prizes and food items.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the event, now in its fourth edition, was held at the prestigious Ife Grand Resort .
The competition, which brought together several churches was designed to promote unity, religious harmony, and the celebration of Easter through music and spiritual upliftment.
Participating Church choirs included The Central Choir, Catholic Diocese of Ondo State; The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 22, Ondo State; St. David’s Anglican Cathedral, Akure, Ondo State; Celestial Church of Christ Cathedral, Ondo State; and St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Igbara-Oke, Ondo State, among others. The choirs thrilled guests with soul-lifting renditions, showcasing exceptional vocal dexterity, harmony, and stage presentation.
A panel of seasoned judges comprising music experts and clergy members carefully assessed the performances based on vocal quality, coordination, originality, and overall presentation before arriving at the final results.
Speaking at the event, the Convener, Ogbo Olori Fadekemi Ogunwusi, expressed appreciation to the Ooni for his unwavering commitment to fostering interfaith unity and youth engagement through creative platforms.
She emphasized that the competition continues to serve as a bridge for strengthening relationships among Christian communities while promoting moral and spiritual values.
At the climax of the event, the panel of judges announced the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 22, Ondo State, as the overall winner, clinching the first position. The Central Choir, Catholic Diocese of Ondo State, secured the second position, while St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Igbara-Oke, Ondo State, emerged third. The Celestial Church of Christ Cathedral, Ondo State, finished in fourth place.
In his characteristic generosity, the Ooni rewarded the winners handsomely. The first-place winner received a sum of ₦2 million alongside food items, the second-place winner got ₦1.5 million and food items, the third-place choir received ₦1 million with food items, while the fourth-place winner was awarded ₦500,000 and food items.
Addressing participants and guests, Ooni Ogunwusi urged Nigerians to embrace love, peace, and unity, stressing that Easter symbolizes sacrifice, hope, and renewal. He called on religious bodies to continue to promote harmony across faiths and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
The Ooni further reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that foster peaceful coexistence among different religious groups.
