The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has received the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at his palace in Ile-Ife, where he commended the Catholic Church for its longstanding service to humanity and contributions to societal development.
The monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, received the delegation on Tuesday as the Catholic bishops visited Ile-Ife during their ongoing Second Plenary Assembly in Osun State.
The plenary, hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, is taking place from September 10 to 18, 2026, with the courtesy visit forming part of activities surrounding the bishops’ gathering in the state.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the delegation was led by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso.
The delegation included the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; the Bishop of Ekwulobia, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke; the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty; the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Ojeleke Abegunrin; the Bishop of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola; and the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah.
Other Catholic bishops, priests and officials of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria were also part of the delegation.
Receiving the bishops, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed appreciation for their visit and highlighted the influence and respect commanded by the Catholic Church and its leadership across Nigeria and beyond.
The monarch, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), praised the Church for its advocacy, discipline, prayers and commitment to humanitarian service.
“Thank you for coming to Ife, where it all began. In our country, we don’t joke with bishops. Their voices are very powerful; anything you say, the entire country and even the continent usually feel it,” the Ooni said.
Ooni Ogunwusi also reflected on his personal familiarity with the Catholic community, recalling his upbringing around Catholics while commending the organisation and discipline of the Catholic mission.
“I grew up in the midst of the Catholic community. I am so happy that I am in your midst today. The Catholic mission is so disciplined; everything is very organised,” he said.
He further acknowledged what he described as the sacrifice and dedication of Catholic clergy to humanity, saying their contributions to the welfare and development of society deserved appreciation.
Earlier, Archbishop Ndagoso thanked the Ooni for receiving the delegation and explained that the visit was particularly significant because of Ile-Ife’s historical and cultural importance.
He described Ile-Ife as the cradle of Yoruba culture and identified the throne of the Ooni as an important symbol of the history, identity and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The CBCN president also commended the Ooni’s efforts towards promoting peace, national unity, youth development and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
According to him, the Catholic Church regards the traditional institution as an important partner in preserving history and cultural values, strengthening communal bonds and providing guidance to communities.
Ndagoso said religious and traditional leaders have complementary roles to play in responding to the social challenges confronting Nigeria, stressing the importance of stronger cooperation between both institutions.
He called on Nigerians to reject vote-buying and advocated transparent, free, fair and credible elections, while emphasising the need for citizens to participate responsibly in the democratic process.
The CBCN president also highlighted the need for closer collaboration between religious and traditional institutions in promoting peaceful coexistence, protecting young people, strengthening families and addressing violence and criminality.
He identified insecurity, poverty, corruption, unemployment and divisions along ethnic and religious lines among the challenges requiring collective action from government, traditional institutions, religious bodies and citizens.
Ndagoso said the Catholic Church remained willing to deepen its engagement with traditional institutions through dialogue, education, healthcare and humanitarian initiatives, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.
He expressed appreciation to the Ooni for the reception and offered prayers for wisdom, strength and long life for the monarch, as well as peace in Ile-Ife, Osun State and Nigeria.
The visit further highlighted the potential for collaboration between traditional and religious institutions in addressing social challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence, while underscoring the enduring cultural significance of Ile-Ife in Nigeria’s traditional heritage.
