Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Babatunde Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ile on his 5th year coronation anniversary.
Obasanjo, while describing the monarch as a unifier and nation builder said that the Ooni has added value to traditional stool in the country, adding that he is proud of the reign of the monarch since he ascend the throne.
The former President made the remark at the ceremony of the monarch’s 5th year coronation anniversary organised by Oodua Descendants Union, in collaboration with the Odua Group of Companies, held at Premier hotel, Ibadan, Oyo state Capital weekend.
Obasanjo said the entire Yoruba race is proud of the monarch who he said has make tradition and culture visible globally, adding that as monarch he has shown that, “We have something we can be proud of. Those people who believe monarchs have no role in this modern day are a wrong, in the colonial days they played major roles
“Kabiyesi, you proved that you have roles in modern day tradition, the throne you took over, you have modernize it, and make it greater than you met it, you have made our culture visible globally.
“One great responsibility as custodian of our tradition. You have shown the world that we have what we can be proud of. You have shown us authenticity of tradition and culture, not only Yorubaland but throughout Nigeria.
Obasanjo further appreciated the genuine desire of the monarch in empowering youths across the country, adding that he has become inspiration for the youths and has not disappoint them
“You a unifier, a builder of nation, I want to commend you on what you are doing for the youths, in empowering the youths, in giving them understanding and they are all looking on you and you have not failed
“I will encourage you not to fail them, I pray you be inspiration to our youths. Kabiyesi, we look forward to your anniversary to 50th anniversary”
In his remark, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi also revealed that, former President Olusegun Obasanjo contributed to his emergence as the monarch of the ancient town of Ife.
Ooni said he would remain grateful to Obasanjo, adding that, when he told the former President about his 5th coronation anniversary he was amazed saying how time flies and they both gave thanks to God, recalling that his 5th year on the throne had offered him lots of experiences, adding that he has seen a lot, but profusely gave praises to God.
“I want to acknowledge the role our Baba, and former president, chief olusegun Obasanjo played in emergence as Ooni. Baba, I am grateful and remained grateful for the role you. You are father of the nation. I recalled that when I told you about preparation for my 5th coronation anniversary, you are amazed that, it’s five years now, how time flies”, Ooni added
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Sultan of Sokoto, Saa’rd Abubarkar, said that Yoruba cultural heritage is very important and that was what differentiate the Yorubas from other tribes in Nigeria.
“We are all neighbors, so the issue of ethnicity should not divide us, we must understand ourselves, the more we move closer to each other, the more we understand ourselves.
“We must sensitized our political leaders not to divide us but to always do the right things all the time because God will asked for our impact while alive”
He however urged Ooni to continue doing good irrespective of the criticism he might encountered while discharging his duty.
