Monarchs, govs, others laud Ooni’s peace agenda at first coronation anniversary

Since he ascended the revered throne of his forefathers as the 51st Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja 11) has taken the centre stage in Yoruba land as the agent of peace, unity and catalyst for creating an enabling environment as well as opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

His action, passion and interests as well as various forms of economic and agricultural schemes has allowed him to make a difference through exemplary leadership and also have prominence in the media with, thus attracting more attention and respect to the throne of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yorubas.

These virtues and other endearing qualities prompted eminent Nigerians, captains of industries, politicians, diplomats and technocrats to converge on the ancient city of Ile-Ife last recently for a week long activity to mark the first coronation anniversary of Oba Ogunwusi.

Dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Professor Wole Soyinka among many other prominent Nigerians were at the opening ceremony attended by held inside Ile Oodua, where the monarch’s palace is located and lectures were delivered by Professor Olu Obafemi and other academics.

However, the significant role of Ooni in restoring peace and unity among Yoruba Obas was the prime focus as Obasanjo and Soyinka took turns to recall how Oba Ogunwusi’s peace agenda had brought about the much needed cohesion among traditional rulers and had fostered a healthy relationship within the traditional institution in the South West, leading to the end of supremacy tussle and arch rivalry which hitherto

had created a wide gulf among the rank and file in Yorubaland.

While lauding Oba Ogunwusi’s pursuit of unity and cohesion among the Yoruba race, particularly among traditional rulers, Soyinka stated that “Ooni is sent on a mission. That mission is the unity of Yoruba race, including its culture and vision. We promise to support you in your resolve to build bridge of unity and peace among our people”.

In his remark, Obasanjo commended Ooni for preserving the custom and culture of Yoruba land, noting that with his one year on the throne, he had done a lot in enhancing peace and cooperation among the traditional rulers in the South West.

“I have been watching the Ooni with his transformation moves since his ascendancy on the throne. I have been studying his zeal for unification of all interests in Yoruba land with keen interest and I commend him for that, I wish him long life on the throne and continuity of his good works.

“Yorubas have been yearning for a leader. Now, they have got it. Ooni’s one year on the throne of his forefathers have further enhanced the unity and collective interest of the Yoruba race and this exemplary leadership virtue deserves commendation”, Obasanjo remarked.

The coronation anniversary continued with plethora of accolades from President Muhammad Buhari, governors and prominent Nigerians as well as including traditional rulers.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister for Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi described the Ooni as a ‘wound-healer’ and a progressively-ordained personality. “Ooni has healed the wound in our country land by bringing together everybody. We know that a lot has gone into this. It is not a matter of age but the fact that you are blessed by the Almighty God to do so.

“We hope that in your many years on the throne, we will witness more advancement of the entire Yoruba land, Nigeria and everywhere we have Yorubas around the world. Many are celebrating you in Cuba, Brazil, America and all over places where you have your children around. We appreciate your contribution to our development and we will continue to adore your Majesty,” he said.

In his remark, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State said Ooni had performed beyond imagination within his one year on throne, stressing that, “looking back, it is almost unbelievable that you re just one year on the throne. You have impacted on the Ile-Ife city and the whole Nigeria. You have brought uncommon energy and creativity to the throne.

”You did not only preach peace but also unity, at both state and national levels. You have demonstrated how to use position as leverage for youth empowerment. Everything you have done shows that you are well equipped to come to the throne to impact on lives. You have made us proud. You have fired our imagination on your one year on throne and we are ready to support you,” Governor Mimiko said.

Similarly, Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano, commended the Ooni for extending partnership to the Igbos and charged him to intensify the unity between the Yorubas and Igbos. “Since Ooni emerged, I have enjoyed great support from the Yorubas and I pray that his reign will be the longest on the throne. I commend what you did to the youth by supporting them to be entrepreneurs. I am here to consolidate and deepen the Igbo-Yoruba unity. I am happy that the Yorubas living in Anambra are very happy with us. I believe in Nigeria’s unity and we should all work hard to make it work. I want our relationship to blossom.” Governor Obiano said.

While emphasing the importance of traditional rulers in the administration of any state, Governor Obiano also recommended cutting of taxes as a way to mitigate the effect of recession on investors.

The Deji of Akure, Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, on his part said the Ooni had served as a source of inspiration to him and other progressive minded traditional rulers in Yoruba land describing him as the indistinguishable father of all Yoruba people in Nigeria and globally.

“The unity of traditional rulers as emphasised by Ooni is important. We need it and we are always inspired by his style of leadership. He has indeed lived up to the expectations as our spiritual leader, nobody can take this away from you no matter what they do,” he asserted.

While extolling the virtues of Ooni, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, expressed delight over the “progressive moves” of Ooni Ogunwusi. He stated that, “Your Imperial Majesty, we in the North are so proud of your leadership and bridge-building moves in the last one year, it’s been do progressive,”

Responding, Oba Ogunwusi expressed appreciation to all the dignitaries that attended the coronation anniversary, just as challenged traditional rulers and all well-meaning Nigerians to take the development of Nigeria as their core responsibility.

“We should collaborate with government and stop the blame-game. We

are closer to our people. Let’s work towards youth emancipation. It is very important to know our roles as traditional rulers and focus more on how to appreciate things that comes out from this country.

“We should be able to help others with the money that God has provided for us. Let us help one another in our little ways. We should give the less-privileged hope. We should all come together, love ourselves and impact on the lives of others,” Ooni stated.

The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of cheques of millions of naira to the representatives of the youths who are the beneficiaries of Ooni Ogunwusi’s Agric-empowerment program in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) represented by its Managing Director, Mr. Waheed Olagunju and Bank of Agriculture (BOA) represented by its Deputy MD, Mr Adebayo Jemileyin.

Among other dignitaries that attended the coronation is Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun; Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Dr. Kiladejo, Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Mr Yinka Odumakin, diplomats, OAU’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Anthony Elujoba, Iyalaje of Apapa, Chief Mrs Toyin Kolade, representative of Enugu state Council of traditional leaders, Eze Chimuka Gburugburu 1, the representatives of Emir of Gusau in Zamfara state, religious leaders, visually-impaired children and many others.