The iconic premier Hotels Tower, Ibadan played host to royalty on Friday as traditional rulers across the country gathered to celebrate with the Ooni if Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II as he celebrates the 5th anniversary on the throne.
Among those present were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero,
Others are Oore of Otun Ekiti who is the paramount ruler of Mobaland Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, 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.
Speaking also at the event, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi said, “My prayer is that the Almighty God will endow you with strength and benevolence which some us enjoyed and are still enjoying. I will only appeal to Kabiyesi (Ooni) to be unrelenting in his efforts through Unity, peace and love campaign across Nigeria.
Oba Adeyemi, who will be commemorating his 50 years on the throne January, assured the Ooni of his readiness to keep supporting his good moves towards uniting the Yoruba race and Nigeria in general.
On his part, the Sultan 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.
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.
