Ooni has enhanced peace, unity, empowered the youth —Buhari

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, said the Ooni  of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), had explored his position as a traditional ruler in the last one year to enhance peace, unity and empower the youth through various schemes.

Describing him as a wound healer and progressively-minded ordained personality, the president said Ooni’s success in building bridges across religious and ethnic divides had further culminated in unity among Yoruba traditional rulers.

Buhari made these remarks at the grand finale of the activities commemorating the one year coronation anniversary of Oba Ogunwusi.

Represented by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi, the president said “Ooni has healed the wound in Yorubaland  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 to do so.

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

In his remark, the governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, observed that the Ooni had performed beyond imagination in his one year on throne.

He stated: “Looking back, it is almost unbelievable that you are just one year on the throne. You have impacted on 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 a leverage for  youths 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.”

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, lauded Ooni for extending partnership to the Igbos and charged him to intensify the unity between Yorubas and Igbos.

According to him, “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.”

The Osile of Okeona of Egbaland, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso urged Ooni not to relent on his progressive agenda, stressing that “his one year is just like a thousand. The rate of advancement and progress recorded since he ascended throne is marvellous.”

Responding, the Ooni commended the dignitaries that attended the coronation, just as he challenged traditional rulers and all well-meaning Nigerians to take the development of Nigeria as their core responsibility.

He said, “We should collaborate with government and stop the blame-game. We r 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 come out from this country.