The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, on Sunday advocated the celebration of Yoruba icons and heroes while they were alive.

Ogunwusi made the call when the crew of Apreel 1 Events Management visited him in his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun, to herald the 70th birthday of popular juju musician, Mr Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA).

He said that KSA, has touched many lives in Yorubaland and the world through his music.

Ogunwusi said that Sunny Ade's brand of juju music cut across old and new generations, adding that he brought joy and happiness into several households.

He said that he decided to support the 70th birthday celebration of KSA as a royal father, fan and “to project the Yoruba race.”

The monarch pledged that he would give all necessary support toward a successful organisation of the anniversary.

Earlier, Mr Seyifunmi Odunuga, Chief Executive Officer, Apreel 1 Events Management, gratitude to the monarch for his support of the event.

Odunuga called for the celebration of Yoruba icons and heroes while they lived, and commended the traditional ruler for his efforts toward the preservation and projection of Yoruba culture and tradition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Adegeye's birthday celebration would hold on Sept. 28 with a lecture entitled “Music Industry: The Way Forward,” at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.

The celebration would end with a dinner on the same day at the White House, Ooni's Palace, Enuwa Square in Ile-Ife.