By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asked traditional rulers across Yorubaland to support the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi to unite the entire Yoruba race.
Chief Obasanjo who made the call in Ile Ife during his visit to the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at his palace to pay homage to the foremost traditional ruler in Yoruba land, declared that Ife remained the source of the Yoruba race.
According to the former President, there is the need for all Yoruba Obas to come together as one for their race to witness the much needed unity and development, adding that this can only be possible by the support of other monarchs for Oba Ogunwusi.
Chief Obasanjo while lauding the unity move by the Ooni which according to him is important for the progress of Yorubaland, tasked Oba Ogunwusi not to relent in his move to ensure unity among the entire Yoruba race.
The former President added that he was very happy with the steps taken by the Ooni so far on the unity among the Yoruba people, adding that the moves had showed that he did not support a wrong person to occupy the exalted throne of the Ooni of Ife.
“I commend the role of Ooni in ensuring peace in Yorubaland. Continue what you are doing, especially your unity course. I am happy with the moves so far. It is only a sign of honour for the Ooni to visit anyone. That does not deny Ile-Ife of its position in the history of Yoruba land” he said.
On arrival at the Ooni’s palace, the former President reacting to songs by palace drummers and praise singers that Owu la ko da (Owu town was the first to be created) jokingly cautioned the singers, saying the song was not appropriate at the Ooni’s Palace considering the paramount position of Ile-Ife as the source of Yoruba people.
Welcoming the former President and his entourage into his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile Ife, Oba Ogunwusi described Chief Obasanjo as a true lover and promoter of Yoruba culture worthy of emulation by other Yoruba leaders
The Ooni then commended Chief Obasanjo who was accompanied to his palace by Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, Dr. Femi Okunnu and others, for finding time to come and pay him a visit.
