The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammed Abubakar and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi have charged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to continue to champion the course of promoting unity and peace among traditional rulers in the South Western region and Yoruba race in general.
The monarchs, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji commended the first-class monarch for using his time, energy and resources to making positive impact in the lives of the youth.
The revered traditional rulers gave the commendation at the lecture organized by the Oduduwa Descendants to commemorate the fifth year of the Ooni of Ife on the throne held inside the Banquet Hall of the Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar, who led a delegation of well-wishers to the occasion used the opportunity to appeal to traditional rulers across the country to preach to the political leaders in their respective domain to, at every point do the right things that will ensure security of lives and property.
While urging the Yorubas to prioritize the promotion of their culture and traditions, Sultan appealed to the federal government to return history as a subject back to school for the sake of younger and coming generation.
The President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, as well, implored Nigerians to ensure peaceful coexistence among themselves irrespective of tribe, religion or political lineage.
The Alaafin and the Olubadan prayed for long life on the throne for the Ooni and energy and resources to carry out his visions and make them to come into fruition.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi appreciated God and the efforts of the people who have been part of the journey since the beginning despite all the challenges.
The first-class monarch reiterated that the role of traditional rulers in the promotion of culture and traditions cannot be over emphasized. He commended Yoruba monarchs for yielding to the call for unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence that he initiated five years ago.
The Ooni called for support, cooperation and prayers to continue to carry on with the project of uniting the entire Yorubaland even beyond the soil of the Yoruba region.
The event was full with the presence of the creamiest in the society, traditional rulers, politicians and captains of industries.
The South West governors sent their representatives to deliver their goodwill messages. The Iyalode of Yoruba land, Chief Alaba Lawson led a team of delegation from Ogun State, while the Chief of Staff, Oyebisi Ilaka, represented his boss, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
The Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Sahaeed Ademola and Oniru of Iru land, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Gbolahan Lawal were also not left behind to honour the Ooni of Ife.
While Mr. Adewale Raji, Group Managing Director of Odua Investment, his predecessor, Adebayo Jimoh and Engr. Dotun Sanusi, CEO, Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts led other captains of industry to grace the epoch-making ceremony.
The colourful event was anchored by veteran broadcasters, Bisi Olatilo and Yemi Shodimu.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali and Olawale Awe
