As part of the celebration his fifth coronation anniversary, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Wednesday, played host to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero in his spacious palace at Ile-Ife, Osun State.
While speaking during the visit, Ooni Ogunwusi, who is co-chairman of, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, called on traditional rulers to prioritise youth development and capacity building to create a greater future for the country.
“Let us surrender ourselves to the youths because they own this country, they are the future that we have to build today.
“Let us train and re-train them and we shall all be better for it. We don’t have to wait for the government, let us do our best individually and it shall be well with us,” the Ooni said.
On the agelong relationship between the Kano Emirate and the kingdom of Ife, the Ooni expressed his heartfelt joy over the bond that has been so beneficial to Nigeria and Africa.
“I am happy that the new Sarki Kano who by far is not a stranger in this palace has agreed that we uphold the heritage of our fathers. My predecessor, Ooni Okunade Sijuwade, the late Emir Ado Bayero and late Obi of Onitsha were good friends and their friendship is part of what we are enjoying in Nigeria,” the Ooni noted.
Earlier in his speech, the Emir thanked Ooni Ogunwusi for providing great leadership across the Yoruba race and Nigeria.
He noted that a new channel for deepening cultural understanding between Yoruba people and their counterparts in the northern part of the country will be created towards enhancing national unity and development.
“This is a homecoming for me in consideration of the deep, warm and life-long friendship and brotherhood between the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and my late father, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
“My respect for the Ooni Ogunwusi is so much that anytime I see him, I feel like am seeing all of my forefathers put together,” the Emir stated.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
