The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, state governors, traditional rulers and prominent Nigerians yesterday eulogised the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi for his leadership qualities, progress and achievements since he ascended the throne a year ago.
The Oba got the accolades during the grand finale of the week-long activities to mark his 1st coronation anniversary held at Ile-Oodua white house palace.
Buhari who was represented by the Minister for Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, described the Ooni as a ‘wound-healer’ and a progressively-ordained personality. “Kabiyesi Ooni has healed the wound in our land 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.
“We hope that in your many years on the throne, we will witness more advancement of the entire Yoruba land, Nigeria and everywhere we have Yorubas around the world. Many are celebrating you in Cuba , Brazil, America and all over the places where you have your children around. We appreciate your contributions to our development and we will continue to adore your Majesty,” Buhari said.
Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, remarked that the Ooni has 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 Ile-Ife city and the whole Nigeria. You have brought uncommon energy and creativity to the throne.
You did not only preach peace but have also acted unity at both state and national levels. You have demonstrated how to use position as leverage for youths empowerment.
“Everything you have been doing shows that you are well equipped to come to the throne to impact on lives. You have made us proud. You have fired our imagination on your one year on throne and we are ready to support you,” Mimiko said.
The Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, commended the Ooni for extending partnership to the Igbos and charged him to intensify the unity between Yorubas and Igbos. “Since Ooni emerged, I have enjoyed great support from the Yorubas and I pray that his reign will be the longest on the throne. I commend what you did to the youth by supporting them to be entrepreneurs.
I am here to consolidate and deepen the Igbo-Yoruba unity. I am happy that the Yorubas living in Anambra are very happy with us. I believe in Nigeria’s unity and we should all work hard to make it work. I want our relationship to blossom,” Obiano said.
While emphasing the importance of traditional rulers in the administration of any state, Governor Obiano also recommended cutting of taxes as a way to mitigate the effect of recession on investors.
“The traditional rulers are very important in the administration of the state. They are very important in settling disputes,” he added.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, urged the Ooni to sensitise indigenes of Ile-ife on the importance of security.
“Enlightening them to be security conscious will enhance the sustenance of your good legacies,” he said.
Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Deji of Akure, said the Ooni has served as a source of inspiration for him and other progressive minded traditional rulers in Yoruba land describing him as the indistinguishable 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. He has indeed lived up to expectations as our spiritual leader, nobody can take this away from you no matter what they do” Deji of Akure said.
The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar in his own speech expressed delight over the “progressive moves” of Ooni Ogunwusi.
“Your Imperial Majesty, we in the North are so proud of your leadership and bridge-building moves in the last one year, it’s been so progressive “. Etsu Nupe said.
Osile of Okeona, Egbaland, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso tasked the Ooni not to relent on his progressive agenda, saying, “His one year is just like a thousand. “Kabiyesi, please don’t relent on this progressive agenda that you have been enviably executing in the last one year which is just like a thousand years. The rate of advancement and progress recorded since you ascended this sacred throne of Oduduwa is marvellous.” Osile said.
Also the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, appealed to all traditional rulers in Nigeria to cooperate with the Ooni in ensuring unity.
“Your Majesty, I bring you goodwill from across the Niger, from all Igbos. We have seen how you bring real change and solve challenges that seem impossible in a year. Your feat shows that when God puts the crown on you, no human being can take it away. Collectively, with a person like you, we will achieve the real change that we have been looking for.” Obi of Onitsha said.
In response, the Ooni, Oba Ogunwusi commended the dignitaries that attended the coronation. He challenged traditional rulers and all well-meaning Nigerians to take the development of Nigeria as their core responsibility.
He said, “We should collaborate with government and stop the blame-game. We are closer to our people. Let’s work towards youth emancipation. It is very important to know our roles as traditional rulers and focus more on how to appreciate things that come out from this country.
“We should be able to help others with the money that God has provided for us. Let us help one another in our little ways. We should