The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi has stated that unity of Yoruba people should not be for political reasons alone.
The Monarch, who spoke at his palace on Monday when he received members of South West Agenda for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (SWAGA), said unity of people of the zone should be in all facets of life.
Oba Ogunwusi advised the political class to uphold the Yoruba collective interest instead of according priority to personal interest.
He noted that the cunning and deceptive nature of politicians usually lead to the breakdown of their political parties.
Oba Ogunwusi said: “It is very important for us in the Southwest to maintain unity. We should not have a divided house. It is not enough for us to go about Southwest agenda without unity among the Yoruba race.
”Our unity should not only be in politics, but all areas of our life in Yorubaland. I pray that the Southwest will maintain unity at all times. When we advocate for unity, that is how we will experience development in our region.”
He added: “I want to implore the politicians, you are known for dissenting from agreements. All of you that is advocating for SWAGA should first embrace unity. I charge you to be conscious of Yoruba interest other than self-interest.
“It is common to politicians, they will form a political party and also be a machinery for breaking it. You should come together. Everything is not about politics. We must embrace Omoluabi ethos.
“On the reason for your movement, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he is a unique breed. He has touched so many lives in the country. His values are indelible.”
Leader of the group, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, who explained the mission of the group, said: “We want a royal blessing for SWAGA and we want the monarch to help us prevail on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to run for the president in 2023.
“Asiwaju is not aware of what we are doing. But, with what he has done politically in Nigeria, we, the leaders of APC, comprising lawmakers, are doing this to guarantee that he is accepted in the Southwest, if he shows interest in the presidency”.
The SWAGA delegation also visited the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, in his palace where he urged the Yoruba to protect the interest of the race.
