His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has urged Yoruba monarchs to do away with rivalry and unnecessary supremacy battle, noting that such has in no way helped the region but caused disunity and stunted development.
Oba Ogunwusi restated this on Tuesday while playing host to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1, who paid him a visit in his Ife palace, Osun state
According to the visitor, the purpose of the visit was to thank the Ooni for his role during his (Olubadan) installation and to also felicitate with Ooni Ogunwusi on his birthday, which held a day earlier.
Olubadan, who also visited the Alaafin of Oyo last week, had in his entourage some High Chiefs in Ibadan and his Oloris, Alhaja Kudirat and Alhaja Rashidat Adetunji.
The entourage included the Balogun Olubadan, High Chief Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Balogun, High Chief Dr Femi Olaifa; Osi Balogun, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola; Ashipa Olubadan, High Chief Eddy Oyewole; Ashipa Balogun-designate, High Chief Lateef Adebimpe and Ekerin Olubadan, High Chief Biodun Daisi.
Others were Maye Olubadan, Chief Bayo Akande, Maye Balogun, Chief John Bunmi Isioye; Ekefa Olubadan, Chief Kola Babalola SAN; Agbaakin Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi; Aare Alasa Olubadan, Chief Lateef Oyelade; Ayingun Balogun Olubadan, Chief Sarafadeen Ali and Lagunna Olubadan, Chief Ademola Odunade.
On hand to welcome Olubadan and his entourage with the Ooni of Ife were Oba Isoros; Obadio of Ife, Ifarotimi Ifalesa, Obatala Obalesu, O.O.O Dada and Lokore of Ife, Abioye Agun.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who noted that the visit of Olubadan of Ibadan was historic, coming on the final day of Olojo festival, extolled the virtue of Oba Adetunji, who he said also shared the same vision of peace in Yorubaland with him.
He said, “I love Olubadan because he also represents peace, unity and development in Yorubaland. He represents the future of Yoruba. Rivalry among Yoruba monarch has not done us any good and that is what led us to where we are today. We should do away with rivalry.
“All what God loves are domiciled in Yorubaland. We know how to respect them one by one. We are not idol worshippers but custodians of God’s nature. Ife is the cradle of Yoruba race and all of us are from Ife.
“I am very happy that Ife is privileged to host Olubadan today. No race is as respectful in the entire world as Yoruba race. All traditions created by God, we know how best to honour them. We must work together in unity for the development of our race as one,” Ooni Ogunwusi said.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Adetunji said he came to appreciate Ooni Adewusi for his humble role during his installation earlier in the year.
He revealed that the Ooni came to Ibadan 24 hours before the date of coronation and left 24 hours after the event. He then prayed for long life for the Ooni.
