Ooni of Ife commended for cultural rebirth efforts

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has been commended for his efforts towards cultural rebirth in Yorubaland.

The Obadio-Agbaye of Ile-Ife, Oba Olajide Farotimi Faloba, gave the commendation at the weekend during the celebration of Itapa Festival in Ife, Osun State.

Oba Faloba, who urged Africans, particularly Nigerians, to respect their cultural heritage, said the Ooni had done well within the short period of his ascension to the throne.

He said: “The adoption of western culture has led to loss of African values. We need to come to the realisation of the importance of our traditional institutions and cultures.”

The traditional ruler said Oba Ogunwusi had made it clear that Yoruba people belong to the same father during his visits to other royal fathers in Yorubaland.

The Obadio, who described the annual celebration of Itapa festival as a way of remembering their forebears, further emphasised that Oba Ogunwusi had turned around the fortune of Ile-Ife in all ramifications.

While thanking his chiefs, traditionalists and other royal fathers as well as residents of Idio and Ilare communities for their support, the traditional ruler also lauded the National Coordinator of Oodua Progressives Union (OPU), Chief Gani Adams, for admonishing the people of Yoruba land to imbibe the spirit of oneness.

He urged Nigerians to appreciate their cultural heritage, saying “there is a link between our traditions and nation-building. Our cultural heritage is the foundation of our humanity. We should understand where we are coming from in order to know where we are and where we are going.”