Buhari, governors, traditional rulers eulogise Ooni at one

The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), on Saturday received accolades from President Muhammad Buhari, governors and prominent Nigerians, including traditional rulers.

The Ooni got the accolades at his first coronation anniversary grand-finale held in his palace.

The President, who was represented by the Minister for Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, described the Ooni as a ‘wound-healer’ and a progressively-ordained personality.

He said, “Ooni has healed the wound in our Yoruba land 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 places where you have your children around. We appreciate your contribution to our development.”

The Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, remarked that the Ooni has performed beyond imagination within his one year on throne.

He said, “looking back, it is almost unbelievable that you are just one year on the throne. You have impacted on the Ile-Ife city and the whole Nigeria. You have brought uncommon energy and creativity to the throne.

“You did not only preached peace but also acted 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, commended the Ooni for extending partnership to the Igbos and charged him to intensify the unity between Yorubas and Igbos.

He said, “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.”

While emphasing the importance of traditional rulers in the administration of any state, he recommended cutting of taxes as a way mitigate the effect of recession on investors.

“The traditional rulers are very important in the administration of the state. They are very important in settling disputes,” he added.

The Chief of Defence Staff,Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, urged the Ooni to sensitise indigenes of Ile-ife on the importnce of security.

“Enlightening them to be security conscious will enhance the sustenance of your good legacies,” he said.

Deji of Akure, Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, said the Ooni has served as a source of inspiration for him.

He said “The unity of traditional rulers as emphasised by Ooni is important. We need it.”

Also, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, expressed delight over the “progressives moves” of the Ooni.

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

The Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, appealed to all traditional rulers in Nigeria to cooperate with the Ooni in ensuring unity.

He said, “I bring you goodwill across the Niger from all Igbos. we have seen how you bring real change and solve challenges that seem impossible in a year. Your feet shows that when God puts the crown on you, no human being can take it away. Collectively, with a person like you, we will achieve the real change that we have been looking Ife.”

Reacting, the Ooni commended the dignitaries that attended the coronation.
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.

“We should be able to help others with the money that God has provided for you. Let’s help one another in our little ways. We should give the less-privileged hope. We should all come together, love ourselves and impact on the lives of others.”

Among other dignitaries that attended the coronation is Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun; Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji; religious leaders, visually-impaired children and traditional rulers among others.