The Palace of Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has clarified that the visit of the foremost traditional ruler to Kuje prison was to meet with inmates describing the report of meeting with embattled former Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele as malicious and misleading.
A statement by the Palace Press Secretary, Moses Olafare said the Ooni was in the prison custody to meet with the inmates and give them a message of hope.
“The Palace is aware of false, malicious and misleading reportage particularly by some bloggers and armchair journalists about the event which does not tally with the event or any of its realities.
“These purveyors of fake news who are bent on blackmailing top personalities for income (Online traffic), prominence or whatever reasons predetermined by them wrote nonsense from the figment of their imagination and got it circulated by armchair (lazy) journalists with no regard for principles, laws and ethics of the prestigious pen profession.”
Olafare said the event Tuesday, December 5, 2023, kickstarted the Ooni annual coronation anniversary with a humanitarian visit to the Kuje Correctional facility in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria was on an official duty in the F.C.T. when he decided to visit inmates at the facility for a programme organized by Hopes Alive Initiative (HAI) under his Chairmanship to motivate those who are often ignored by the society.
“We should always remember that God created all of us and that is the God of second chance, we have seen in this country from prison to presidency, right from prison all the way to become the president of this country.
“So please do not write off yourselves, whatever the situation you might have found yourselves here remember that their is a God of second chance.
“I am here to tell you that there is a life after here, it does not end here and that is why you all must see this current phase of your life as a learning stage for the lessons with which you will live for life after here.
“I have not come here to tell you that it is not difficult but I am here to tell you that it is possible for you all to be better and be amongst the best members of the larger Nigerian society.”
Peak of the event was when five (5) inmates were freed after fulfilling all requirements including payment of bail/fines through the assistance of the Ooni, with a promise to keep an eye on them and also empowering them in the trade they learned while in the facility.
Other event earmarked for the Ooni Ogunwusi’s coronation anniversary is the Staff Appreciation Night during which all staff members (Traditional and Official) working with His Imperial Majesty will be honoured and gifted series of items including cars for the best performing ones.
In the same vein,
