BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
The Ooni of lfe, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called for synergy between traditional rulers as a way forward in resolving the challenges that are besetting the nation.
Ooni, who stated that security, peace and development could only be achieved through collaboration and dialogue among the traditional rulers, urged the monarchs to speak with one voice on issues affecting the nation.
The first-class monarch spoke recently while receiving the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaiye, and the Onibeju of Lekki-elect, Oba Walihu Oguntolu, at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The visiting obas said they decided to visit the Ooni in appreciation of his role in ensuring their successful coronation as obas.
Stressing the need for unity among Yoruba sons and daughters, Oba Ogunwusi said, “Healthy development can only be achieved through genuine peace and unity.”
He stated further that unity among the traditional rulers in the country was a panacea to the nation’s challenges.
“Healthy development can only be achieved through genuine peace and unity. As the custodians of tradition and the representatives of the people, it is high time we came together and spoke in unison in the interest and overall development of our country.
“lf there is unity and harmony among our people as well as among the traditional rulers in the country, the struggle to attain enviable development in all facets of life would be an easy task,” he added.
He urged Yorubas to harmonise their efforts towards promoting the ‘Omoluabi’ value for which the race is known.
He stressed the need for the visiting monarchs to work in concert with the kingmakers in their domains for the good of their people.
Earlier in his remarks, the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti lauded the Ooni on his efforts at uniting the Yoruba obas.
He added, “It is an honour to visit the Ooni for the first time since I ascended the position of our forefathers almost one year ago; precisely on September 18, 2020 that I received the staff of office from the Ekiti State Government.
“We have come to Ile-Ife to cement a very ancient relationship that was cultivated and nurtured by our forefathers. Your Royal Majesty, we have come to Ile-Ife to seek your wisdom and blessings as well as demonstrate to our people that we are all tied by a thread of common destiny,” the Oluyin said.
The Onibeju of Ibeju Lekki-elect, while thanking Ogunwusi for playing a fatherly role in uniting the Yoruba race, recalled that a former Ooni of Ife, in 1929, saved the town from war and threat of extinction.
