By Sodiq Lawal, Accra, Ghana
The Ooni of Ife and Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has called on Yoruba people and all Oduduwa descendants across Africa and the diaspora to uphold unity, peace, and cultural pride — values he described as essential to progress and the preservation of ancestral bonds within the global House of Oduduwa.
Represented by his spokesman, Otunba Moses Olafare, the foremost African monarch made the call while speaking with journalists during the 2025 Ghana Isokan Festival, held yesterday at the PWD Grounds opposite the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) office in Accra, Ghana. The Ooni expressed delight over the annual celebration, describing it as a living symbol of the enduring connection among Yoruba descendants in the diaspora.
“The Ooni sends his heartfelt greetings to all Yoruba people residing in Ghana and across Africa. His Majesty remains deeply committed to promoting unity, love, and cooperation among all Oduduwa descendants, irrespective of geographical boundaries,” Olafare said.
He emphasized that the Ooni’s global mission is to reconnect Africans with their ancestral roots and restore pride in their cultural identity — a key pathway, he noted, to achieving sustainable peace and development across the continent.
“The Ooni believes that our progress as Africans depends on our ability to rediscover who we are, uphold our shared heritage, and stand together as one people,” Olafare added.
In his goodwill message, the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana, Ambassador Dayo Adeoye, praised the organizers of the festival for their consistency in promoting unity and preserving Yoruba heritage in the diaspora.
Addressing a gathering of traditional rulers, community leaders, and dignitaries, Ambassador Adeoye congratulated His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulrasheed Buraimoh, the Leader of the Yoruba Community in Ghana, for sustaining the annual event.
“I am delighted to be part of this auspicious occasion of the Isokan Festival 2025, which marks the fourth edition in the series. The Yoruba people in Ghana have demonstrated remarkable wisdom and commitment to preserving their cultural identity. Isokan means unity — unity in thought, purpose, and action. When there is unity, there is peace, progress, and development,” he said.
He further described the festival as a significant cultural and diplomatic platform that not only strengthens the Yoruba community but also promotes African unity and cultural diplomacy.
“Culture indeed is another form of diplomacy. Our gathering here reminds us of the importance of cultural diplomacy, not just for promoting bilateral relations between our countries, but also for building bridges across our communities. Festivals like Isokan strengthen the fabric of Africa’s unity, encourage dialogue, and highlight the rich contributions of African traditions to the global community,” Ambassador Adeoye stated.
The event was graced by dignitaries including Oba Abdulrasheed Buraimoh, leaders of the Arewa and Igbo communities in Ghana, traditional chiefs, and representatives of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra — all commended for supporting initiatives that foster unity and peace among Nigerians in the diaspora.
Ambassador Adeoye also urged Nigerians living in Ghana to remain law-abiding and serve as worthy ambassadors of the nation.
“As we gather here today, let us carry forward the spirit of Isokan. Let us continue to support one another as a community, uphold the laws of our host country, and remain worthy ambassadors of Nigeria wherever we are,” he advised.
Themed “Isokan” (Unity), the 2025 edition of the festival drew traditional rulers, government officials, cultural leaders, and members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ghana. It has become a rallying point for the Yoruba community in Ghana, celebrating shared identity and cultural continuity.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Oyeyemi Fatuyi, Baale of Mataheko-Afienya and one of the festival coordinators, described unity as the foundation of societal progress.
“Isokan is the reason we are here. It is the force that brings success and peace to our community. A society without Isokan will be filled with conflict. This festival reminds us that only through unity can we thrive,” he said.
Also addressing the crowd, the Iyalode of Ghana, Hajiatu Nuru Folashade, urged Yoruba youths to uphold moral values and avoid social vices such as drug abuse.
“We are one family united by culture and bound by divine unity. Unity demands responsibility. Our youths must protect their future and return to the Omoluabi virtues that define our identity. May Allah continue to bless the Yoruba community in Ghana,” she said.
The colourful celebration featured traditional performances including Sango dances, Osun cultural displays, and other artistic showcases that reflected the richness of Yoruba heritage.
Dignitaries and guests commended the Ooni for his unwavering efforts in strengthening cultural and diplomatic relationships among Yoruba descendants and other African communities across the continent and the diaspora.