The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, expressing optimism that his renewed mandate would strengthen international cooperation, promote cultural exchange and deepen relations between Brazil and Africa, particularly the Yoruba people.
The monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, described the development as an opportunity to advance mutual understanding and expand partnerships between Brazil, Nigeria and the international community.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Otunba Moses Olafare, who is currently on royal assignments in Benin Republic, Ghana and Liberia.
Olafare described President Lula as an unapologetic lover of Isese, the Yoruba traditional religion, and a friend of Africa, highlighting the Brazilian leader’s importance to efforts aimed at strengthening cultural and diplomatic relations between Africa and its diaspora.
The Ooni, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), emphasised the historical and cultural connections between Africa and Brazil, noting the importance of sustaining relationships that promote shared heritage, people-to-people engagement, economic cooperation and cultural diplomacy.
According to the monarch, these historical ties provide a strong foundation for expanding partnerships in tourism, education, trade, youth development and the preservation of African cultural identity.
He further stressed the need for world leaders to prioritise peace, unity, inclusive development and constructive dialogue in addressing challenges confronting their respective countries and the international community.
The Ooni expressed confidence that President Lula’s renewed mandate would provide an opportunity to consolidate his administration’s development agenda while strengthening Brazil’s engagement with African countries, particularly the Oduduwa race.
He also underscored the importance of continued collaboration among traditional institutions, governments and international organisations in promoting cultural understanding and building lasting relationships across continents.
The monarch wished President Lula a successful tenure, expressing hope that his leadership would contribute to Brazil’s continued development and foster stronger relations between Brazil and African nations.
The latest message builds on the Ooni’s longstanding efforts to promote Yoruba culture beyond the shores of Africa and strengthen connections between the continent and its diaspora.
In 2023, Ooni Ogunwusi embarked on a five-day working visit to Brazil as part of his global tour under the African People’s Peace and Progress Agenda.
During the visit, undertaken following a presidential invitation, the monarch attended activities surrounding the official unveiling of the maiden edition of Brazil’s National Isese Day initiative, which sought to advance the recognition of Yoruba traditional religion and Orisa heritage in the South American country.
The Ooni, who is fondly addressed as “Baba mi, my father” by Brazil’s First Lady, Her Excellency Rosângela Lula da Silva, also unveiled initiatives under his Back To Home programme, aimed at reconnecting more than 100 million Afro-Brazilians with their ancestral heritage.
His engagements took him to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador da Bahia and BrasÃlia, where he pursued initiatives to strengthen cultural relations between Brazil and Africa.
During the visit, President Lula and the Brazilian National Parliament reiterated their commitment to Yoruba culture and the recognition of National Orisa Day, which the statement said was backed by Brazilian constitutional law.
While being hosted by President Lula, the Ooni called for unity among African descendants worldwide, urging the Brazilian Parliament to support the president with legislation that would promote stronger relations with Africa.
“I am elated that this is becoming a reality, a day where National Orisa Day will be publicly recognized by the Brazilian parliament. We cannot afford to be divided again. We are one, irrespective of colour and race. What we need now is to unite for the growth of all persons regardless of religious and cultural differences. We are one people and the earlier we recognize the strength in our unity the better for us all. I am sitting on an ancient throne of over hundreds of centuries, a sacred throne of the Kingdom where most of you all migrated from,” the Ooni said.
Reaffirming Ile-Ife’s place in the historical and cultural identity of the Yoruba diaspora, the monarch assured Afro-Brazilians of their connection to the ancient kingdom and encouraged them to reconnect with their ancestral homeland.
“Beyond here in Brazil, I am delighted to inform you that you all have a home in my Kingdom and there are free lands for you to come, build and reside across Africa. I vow never to forget you, you are a major part of us in my Kingdom of Ile-Ife and we hope to receive you home soon as possible,” he added.
Following the parliamentary session, the Ooni was received at Nigeria House in BrasÃlia by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil, Ambassador Ahmad Muhammed Makarfi, alongside 25 African diplomats.
The monarch also held a private meeting with President Lula, during which he advocated stronger cultural and trade relations between Brazil and Africa.
At the meeting in BrasÃlia, Brazil’s capital, the Ooni proclaimed President Lula and his wife, First Lady Rosângela Lula da Silva, as Omo Oduduwa, reflecting his efforts to emphasise the historical and cultural connections between the Yoruba people and Afro-Brazilians.
He also called for direct travel connections between Nigeria and Brazil to facilitate trade, commerce and cultural exchange between the two countries.
According to the statement, President Lula thanked the Ooni for his commitment to the reunification of Afro-Brazilians and Africans worldwide. The Brazilian president also reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening relations between Brazil and Africa, particularly with the Oduduwa race, which the statement identifies as the ancestral homeland of his people.
The Ooni further highlighted ongoing efforts to mobilise Afro-Brazilians for a historic return to and reconnection with their ancestral lands in Africa, describing the initiative as an opportunity to foster unity and shared development.
“This is what we want to see: a journey back home, where our people in the diaspora join hands with their brothers and sisters on the continent to build a better Africa,” the monarch said.
His continued advocacy centres on unity, cultural reconnection and a shared commitment to Africa’s development, with Ile-Ife serving as a focal point for preserving Yoruba heritage and strengthening ties between Africans on the continent and their descendants across the world.