Ooni restates commitment to Yoruba unity

· Obas are closer to people than govt —Ooni, Emir of Ilorin

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Wednesday, in Offa, Kwara State, restated his commitment to the unity and peaceful co-existence among Yoruba people.

Ogunwusi gave the assurance at a special prayer to mark the 54th birthday of the Olofa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi.

The monarch also urged Yoruba leaders, irrespective of their religion and political affiliations, to close ranks for the socio-economic development of their areas.

He urged traditional rulers in Yorubaland to strive towards upholding and promoting the cherished heritage of the people.

Ogunwusi, while congratulating Gbadamosi on the milestone, described the recent affirmation of his appointment as the Olofa by the Supreme Court as well deserved.

In her remarks, Mrs Wosilat Micarthy, the Secretary-General, Offa Descendants Union, said the community had recorded some unprecedented achievements since the Olofa ascended the throne.

“Offa is passing through one of its notable developmental periods courtesy of our amiable monarch, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi.

“So, when the Supreme Court judgment was delivered and it was positive, it was a thing of immense joy and happiness to the people, who cherish the growth, progress and development of the town,” she said.

In a sermon, Alhaji Muideen Salman, the Chief Imam of Offa, urged leaders to imbibe transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari, have emphasised the roles of traditional rulers in the country, saying they are closer to people than government.

Speaking when the two monarchs met at the emir’s palace, in Ilorin, on Wednesday, Oba Ogunwusi said that “royal fathers are divine,” adding that they are born and not a creation of human beings.

The Ooni, who said that people first come to traditional rulers when problem arises, added that they should be honoured and accorded roles to encourage peaceful coexistence.

He called on all kingdoms in the country to come together, saying that they should concentrate on issues that unite people than what could divide them.

Also speaking, the Emir of Ilorin commended the hands of fellowship being extended by the Ooni across Nigeria and beyond, saying that “In Islamic parlance, kings are moulded in the shadow of Almighty God.”

The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, encouraged Nigerians to believe and work towards success of the nation’s democracy.