The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has completed a significant three-day working visit to Bayelsa State, where he met with former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, and members of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The visit focused on promoting peace, unity, and collaboration among Nigeria's diverse cultures. As the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Co-Chair of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), the Ooni emphasized the importance of traditional institutions working together to foster national cohesion.
Jonathan: Ooni and Sultan Are Nigeria’s Most Revered Monarchs
At his residence in Otuoke, former President Jonathan praised the Ooni's leadership, describing him as a significant gift to Nigeria and Africa. He noted that the federal government often seeks advice from the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife, whom he referred to as the two most respected monarchs in Nigeria.
Jonathan recalled his connection to Osun State, where he served during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and expressed appreciation for the Ooni's role in national development. He highlighted the Ooni's longstanding position as a permanent co-chairman of Nigeria’s traditional rulers and acknowledged his influence and leadership.
Ooni Calls for Unity Through Cross-Cultural Exchange
During a meeting with Bayelsa State traditional rulers in Yenagoa, the Ooni emphasized the importance of national unity through cross-cultural communication and visits. He urged traditional rulers to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and its Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Ooni stated that Nigeria's progress is rooted in peace, which can only be achieved through unity. He encouraged traditional rulers to lead with purpose and foster collaboration among their subjects to allow the government’s policies to have meaningful impact.
Governor Diri Commends Ooni, Extends Anniversary Invitation
Governor Douye Diri visited the Ooni at his residence in Yenagoa and described the visit as long overdue. He said it was a great opportunity for the people of Bayelsa to interact with a highly revered traditional figure.
Governor Diri expressed the state’s admiration for the Ooni and invited him to be the Special Royal Father of the Day during Bayelsa’s upcoming 29th state anniversary celebration. He praised the Ooni for his humility and majestic simplicity, noting how deeply respected he is by traditional rulers in the state.
Traditional Rulers Express Support for Ooni’s Leadership
Speaking on behalf of the Bayelsa traditional rulers, the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers and King of Agada Town, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, described the Ooni’s visit as historic. He noted that Bayelsa is the first among the 17 Southern Nigerian states to host the Ooni since his official appointment as SNTRC Chairman.
King Dakolo commended the Ooni for consistently promoting peace and unity and treating traditional rulers from the South East and South South with equal respect. He assured the Ooni of Bayelsa's full support and reaffirmed confidence in his leadership alongside the Sultan of Sokoto as co-chairmen of the national council.
Ooni Travels with Royal Delegation
The Ooni was accompanied on the trip by his wife, Olori Elizabeth Ogunwusi, and notable monarchs from Osun State including the Alaagba of Aagba Kingdom, Oba Rufus Olayinka Ogunwole, and the Onigbaye of Igbaye, Oba Joseph Okunlola Oni. Also present were High Chief Olufemi Kayode Collins, Jagunosin of Ife Kingdom and a member of the Ooni-in-Council, and Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni's Director of Media and Public Affairs, along with his traditional aides and security team.
The Ooni reaffirmed his commitment to cross-cultural communication and national development, emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity should be embraced as a strength. He believes that effective communication across cultural lines is essential for unity and growth.
Visit Culminates in Meeting with Former First Family
The Ooni’s visit concluded with a private engagement hosted in honor of former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, at the Golden Tulip Apartments and Resorts in Yenagoa.
The three-day visit was widely regarded as a significant milestone in fostering inter-ethnic unity, cultural diplomacy, and strengthening traditional alliances across Nigeria.
إرسال تعليق