THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has said that despite the boundaries, demarcating African countries, the unity and bond in the continent cannot be eroded.
Oba Ogunwusi made this disclosure while playing host to the former President of Ghana, Mr John Mahama, who paid him a courtesy call in his palace, Ile-Ife.
In a press statement signed by the director of media and public affairs to Ooni, Comrade Moses Olafare, which was forwarded to Saturday Tribune in Osogbo on Friday, the traditional ruler said: “The African continent remains one big family, despite the boundaries between her countries and communities.”
According to Oba Ogunwusi: “Before the advent of the Western civilisation, there were no boundaries between the African nations and communities We are one big family. But it gladdens my heart that with committed individuals like President Mahama, we have remained that united big family working together for the progress of the African continent.”
Accompanied by his queen, Olori Silekuola Naomi Ogunwusi, Ooni who prayed for the former President, also called on the Isoros (Custodians of the 201 deities of Ile Ife Kingdom) to offer spiritual blessings to former President Mahama, lauding the former president for exhibiting humble and simplicity character.
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“When I was in Ghana to honour Mr President two years ago, he was in power, to the glory of God, he displayed humility and simplicity. He didn’t even wait for an aide to do anything for me. He did it by himself. He made tea and offered me by himself. There is no difference between when he was in power and when he was not. That’s humility and simplicity”, Oba Ogunwusi remarked.
Earlier on his speech, the former President of Ghana, Mr John Mahama thanked Ooni for the warm reception, describing the Ife kingdom as the root of the rich African culture.
He stated: “I am overwhelmed by the welcome I got and the current atmosphere since I stepped out of the car. The drums, dance, songs, dressing and others are indeed wonderful. As a student of history, I have read and studied that Ile-Ife kingdom is the cradle of the human race, and the kingdom occupies a high position in global history.”
“I have come to return His Imperial Majesty’s visit to the Republic of Ghana two years ago, especially to encourage him in his efforts of unifying the African continent. I’m impressed, and I appreciate everything done in my honour.”
It will be recalled that the visiting former president of Ghana had once played a host to Ooni Ogunwusi and entourage while he was on a 5-day working visit to Ghana in 2016.
The former Ghanaian leader was accompanied by his elder sister Alhaja Sherifat Dundu and her husband Alhaji Bisi Dundu. Others are Chief Of Staff to the former president, Mr Julius Debra, Alhaja Olusola Shodeinde, Professor Jeleel Ojuade of University of Ilorin and Bashorun Dele Momodu, Publisher, Ovation Magazine.
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