By Bashir Mohammed
Kano
Ooni of Ile-Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), at the weekend, received plaudits from President Muhammadu Buhari, governors and prominent Nigerians, including traditional rulers at his one year coronation anniversary.
Represented by the Minister for Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi, the president described the Ooni as a “wound-healer” and a progressively-ordained personality.
He said: “Ooni has healed the wound in our country by bringing together everybody. We know that a lot has gone into this. It is not a matter of age but the fact that you are blessed by the Almighty God to do so.
“Many are celebrating you in Cuba, Brazil, America and all places where you have your children around. We appreciate your contribution to our development and we will continue to adore Your Majesty.”
Governor of Ondo state, Olusegun Mimiko, remarked that the Ooni had performed beyond imagination within his one year on the throne.
“Looking back, it is almost unbelievable that you are just one year on the throne. You have impacted on the Ile-Ife city and the whole Nigeria. You have brought uncommon energy and creativity to the throne”, he said.
Anambra state Governor, Willie Obiano, commended the Ooni for extending partnership to the Igbo and urged him to intensify the unity between the Yoruba and the Igbo.
“I am here to consolidate and deepen the Igbo-Yoruba unity. I am happy that the Yoruba living in Anambra are very happy with us.
Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Olonisakin, urged the Ooni to sensitise indigenes of Ile-ife to the importance of security.
“Enlightening them to be security conscious will enhance the sustenance of your good legacies,” he said.
The Deji of Akure, Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, said the Ooni had served as a source of inspiration for him and other progressive minded traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
Oba Aladelusi described the Ooni as the father of all Yoruba people in Nigeria and globally.
“The unity of traditional rulers as emphasised by Ooni is important. We need it and we are always inspired by his style of leadership.
Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, expressed delight over the “progressive moves” Ooni Ogunwusi had made.
