Yoruba unity: We will continue to support Ooni —Elegosi

The people of Egosi in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State have said that they would continue to support the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in his efforts to reunite Yoruba leaders.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune during the town’s 2016 annual get-together in Egosi at the weekend, the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Daniel Dada, said the Ooni had by such singular effort, since ascending the throne, set a positive precedent for other Yoruba leaders to emulate.

He cited Oba Ogunwusi’s rich educational and cultural background, saying they were being deployed  for the overall benefit of the  Yoruba race.

Oba Dada urged the Ooni not to succumb to intimidation and  distraction in his efforts  to liberate his people, saying that the community would continue to channel resources towards ensuring he achieves  success on the throne.

The monarch, who is also the Elegosi of Egosi kingdom, said the annual get-together was designed to promote unity among the people of the community  irrespective of political or religious affiliations.

He said that the community had since its movement to its present site on  Otun Road,  embarked on projects aimed at improving the living standard of the people.

The monarch  listed such projects to include the  community’s  security post, rural electrification, building of  community schools and health centres.

Dada called on both the state and federal governments to assist the community through  the establishment of more infrastructural facilities for the overall benefit of the people.

On his part, the President of Egosi Development Union, Engineer Ayinla Lawal, urged the people of the community not to relent in contributing their quota  to the  development of   the community.

The Elemo of Egosi, Chief Sam Oni, in his remarks, advocated for specific roles for states in strengthening the capacities of firms and institutions in tackling the nation’s present economic hardship.

Oni, a retired personnel of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), also advised government at all levels to prioritise mechanised agriculture as an antidote to fight poverty, hunger and unemployment.