Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero have gathered to celebrate Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II as he marks five years on the throne.
Other monarchs present are the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Oore of Otun Ekiti who is the paramount ruler of Mobaland Oba Adekunle Adeagbo.
The dignitaries stormed Premier Hotels Tower, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to celebrate with the Ogunwusi.
While addressing the cheering crowd, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar described the Ooni as a great companion who is committed to the national interest of Nigeria.
The mornach said, ‘The Ooni is a friend, brother and a worthy companion who has performed creditably well in accordance with the status of the Ooni within the last five years. Let me also add that he has visited Sokoto five times and I have equally visited Ife.’
‘One of the unique features of the Ooni is the esteem at which he carries Yoruba culture with huge dignity, this means a lot because anyone who throws away his culture is throwing away his life. I remember when I visited Brazil, I saw Yoruba culture being displayed live, that sends a great message.’ The Sultan said.
Oba Adeyemi, who will be commemorating his 50 years on the throne next January, assured the Ooni of his readiness to keep supporting his good moves towards uniting the Yoruba race and Nigeria in general.
Similarly, the Odole Oodua, Sir Kessington Adebutu hailed the Ooni over what he described as the monarch’s strong start, particularly the task of unifying the Yoruba nation worldwide, which he said had earned him great respect across the world.
In his reaction, the Ooni thanked all dignitaries present for their love and support over the past five years, adding that he will continue to work with them for the betterment of all.
‘I am so honoured today with your royal presence and I pray that God Almighty will continue to honour you.’
‘The journey in the last five years has been so wonderful and I give God all the glory and I want to thank all traditional rulers across the country for the love and kindness,’ the Ooni noted.
Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao, Oniru of Iruland, Elegushi of Ikateland, Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oloba of Oba-Ile, Okere of Saki and other Yoruba monarchs attended the event which was spiced with several traditional performances.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK