The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Thursday, said the history of the Yorubaland would be incomplete without underscoring the immense contributions of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his wife, Chief (Mrs) H.I.D Awolowo.
He said the passionate love and commitment to Yoruba cause displayed by Awolowo and his developmental strides in the South-West would forever remain indelible in the history of the Yoruba ethnic group.
Oba Ogunwusi made this assertion while playing host to the members of the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) led by its Vice Chairman, Reverend Emmanuel Bolanle Gbonigi, who paid him courtesy visit at his palace in Ile-Ife.
While emphasising the need to foster unity and love among the Yoruba race, the monarch said “Yoruba history would be incomplete without adequate mentioning of the enviable contributions of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his wife, Yeye Oodua, late Chief (Mrs) H.I.D Awolowo.”
According to Oba Ogunwusi, “Yorubaland is dear to God. God is not happy because of disunity and supremacy battle among us. There is critical need for love and unity among us to enhance development. If there is unity in Yorubaland, there would be unity and peace in the whole world.
“I am passionate about Yoruba’s interest. The work for Yoruba unity has commenced because it is ordained by God and our ancestors. Traditional rulers are closer to the people than government. With unity of purpose, we would record resounding success in all our activities. I have been closer to Yoruba Obas since my days as a prince and after becoming the king, I have extended hands of fellowship to them and we have been building bridge of unity across seeming barriers,” he remarked.
Earlier in his remark, the vice chairman of YUF, Reverend Gbonigi said “by the virtue of the royal throne you occupy, we are conscious of the fact that one of your most sacred duties is the protection, preservation and sustenance of Yoruba unity and culture and see this duty as being perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Yoruba Unity Forum.”
Declaring Oba Ogunwusi as the patron of YUF, the clergy recalled that his immediate past predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, gave full backing and support to the group in realising its objectives, just as he served as its patron.
Gbonigi further observed that Yoruba unity would remain elusive as long as Yoruba Obas continue to harbour animosities against one another, prompted in part by the needless struggle for supremacy.
Members of the YUF on the entourage of Reverend Gbonigi included Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Professor Muibi Opeloye, Professor Opeoluwa Adekunle, Chief (Mrs) Bola Doherty, Chief Toye Ogunsuyi, Honourable Tunde Oladapo, Senator Anthony Adefuye, Chief (Mrs) Kofoworola Bucknor Akerele, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu and Dr Kunle Olajide. (Tribune)