GOVERNOR Willie Obiano of Anambra state, on Friday, visited the ancient city of Ile-Ife on Friday to congratulate the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on his marriage to his queen, Olori Silekunola Naomi Ogunwusi, just as the duo used the occasion to rekindle their old friendship.
This was contained in a statement issued by the director of media and public affairs to the Ooni, Comrade Moses Olafare, which was forwarded to Sunday Tribune in Osogbo, on Saturday.
Describing Oba Ogunwusi who is a co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria as his father and longtime friend, Obianor said Ile-Ife remains the spiritual home of the Yorubas where everyone came from.
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According to the governor, “Your Majesty, I was far away in America when you got married last week. As a son and longtime friend of yours, I consider it necessary to come and congratulate you and your beautiful Yeyeluwa because you have always shown love to me, to my wife to our government, to the people of Anambra state and Igboland in general. My wife and I are so proud to be associated with you as the king of this town Ile-Ife which is the spiritual home of the Yorubas where everyone came from.”
“I am praying for your long life on this sacred throne of Oduduwa, I wish you and your wife yeyeluwa, good health and God Almighty will bless your marriage with good children”, the statement added.
Responding, Oba Ogunwusi commended Obiano for the visit, describing him “as a long time friend who has always shown love and respect to the throne of Oduduwa and the overall traditional institution in Nigeria. On behalf of Yeyeluwa and I and on behalf of the people of Ife Kingdom, I welcome you to your home, this is the throne of Oduduwa, father of over 500m people worldwide.”
The traditional ruler continued, “we have come a long way together, you are my longtime friend even when we had nothing and when we didn’t know God had prepared exalted positions for both of us in this country. You have also made me so proud of you as one of the very best governors this country has ever produced.
“You have been working assiduously in the service of your people and that is why you are well loved by the people of Anambra and Igbo nation as a whole”, Oba Ogunwusi remarked.
and then