Oba Ogunwusi Eulogises Obasanjo Contribution To His Emergence As Ooni

By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA

Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has revealed that his emergence as the monarch of the ancient town of Ile-Ife, Osun State, was as a result of the immense contribution of the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

The monarch made the revelation at his fifth years coronation anniversary organised by Oodua Descendants Union, packaged by the Odua Group of Companies, that was held at Premier hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Oba Ogunwusi remarked that he would remain grateful to Obasanjo, adding that, when he informed the former president about his 5th coronation anniversary, he was amazed, responding that how time flies and they both gave thanks to God.

He recalled that his 5th year on the throne has offered him lots of experiences, adding that he has seen a lot, but profusely gave praises to God.

“I want to acknowledge the role our Baba, and former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo played in my emergence as Ooni. Baba, I am grateful and remained grateful for the role you played. You are father of the nation.

“I recalled that when I told you about preparation for my 5th coronation anniversary, you were amazed that, it’s five years now, how time flies,” Ogunwusi stated.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Saa’rd Abubarkar, in his remarks said that Yoruba cultural heritage is very important and that was what differentiate Yoruba from other tribes in Nigeria.

“We are all neighbors, so the issue of ethnicity should not divide us, we must understand ourselves, the more we move closer to each other, the more we understand ourselves. We must sensitized our political leaders not to divide us. but to always do the right things all the time because God will ask for our impact while alive.’

The monarch however urged Ooni to continue doing good irrespective of the criticism he might encountered while discharging his duty, while the celebrant expressed appreciation to all dignitaries for making the ceremony a success

The former president, Chief Obasanjo while speaking affirmed that Ooni has added value to the traditional stool, adding that he is proud of the reign of the monarch since he ascended the throne.

Obasanjo said the entire Yoruba race is proud of the monarch who he said has make tradition and culture visible globally, adding that as monarch he has shown that. “We have something we can be proud of. Those people who believe monarchs have no role in this modern day are wrong, in the colonial days they played major roles.

“Kabiyesi, you proved that you have roles in modern day tradition, the throne you took over you have modernize it, and make it greater than you met it, you have made our culture visible globally. One great responsibility as custodian of our tradition.

“You have shown the world that we have what we can be proud of, you have shown us authenticity of tradition and culture, not only Yorubaland but throughout Nigeria.

Obasanjo described Ooni as a unifier and nation builder whose genuine desire in empowering youths across the country, noting that he has become inspiration for the youths and has not disappoint them

‘You a unifier, a builder of nation, I want to commend you on what you are doing for the youths, in empowering the youths, in giving them understanding and they are all looking on you and you have not failed, I will encourage you not to fail them, I pray you be inspiration to our youths. Kabiyesi, we look forward to your 50th anniversary’.

“The organizers of this ceremony with your support and has thought it fit to invite, when you are having your 10 years anniversary and they leave me out I will gate crash, if they leave me out for your 20 years anniversary I will gate crash, if they leave me out on your 50th anniversary I will gate crash,” Obasanjo said humorously.

The former President described Lawson as a very formidable woman, a woman in man skin, as well as thorough and foremost educationist with one of the best schools in the country, whose impact in the development of the country cut across, he also commended the royal father for honouring her.

Meanwhile, the awardee in her remarks said the award was historic in her life and expressed profound appreciation, stressing that she would dedicate the award to womanhood. “The monarch has made me proud to do more.”

The highlights of the programme was ‘Amazon Award’ bestowed on Iyalode of Yorubaland, Alaba Lawson by the monarch, which was presented by Chief Obasanjo.

The ceremony held at banquet hall of Premier hotels, Mokola, Ibadan attracted dignitaries across the country, which included former president, Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubarkar; Alake of Egba land, HRM Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.

Others were Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesy, Saliu Adetunji; Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola; Oniru of Iruland, HRH Gbolahan Lawal; Olu Itori of Egbaland, Oba Fatai Akamo and Iyalode of Yorubaland, Iyalode Alaba Lawson among others.