The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has emphasized the imperative of national cohesion as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s sustainable development. He made this call during a series of high-level engagements in Bayelsa State with former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Douye Diri, and the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The monarch’s visit, which spanned three days, aimed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and strengthen traditional institutions across Nigeria. According to a statement from the Director of Media and Publicity at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, the Ooni was accompanied by his wife, Olori Elizabeth Ogunwusi, and fellow traditional rulers including the Alaagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Ogunwole, and the Onigbaye of Igbaye, Oba Joseph Okunlola-Oni.
Addressing the Bayelsa State Traditional Council, Oba Ogunwusi underscored the role of traditional leadership in promoting peace and unity. “We have no other country but Nigeria,” he stated. “For the nation to thrive, unity must be the foundation of our collective purpose. Traditional rulers must guide their communities towards peace, enabling the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to take meaningful effect nationwide.”
The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanaowei of the Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, hailed the Ooni’s visit as historic. He noted that Bayelsa is the first among the 17 southern states to host the Ooni since his appointment as Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council.
Both former President Jonathan and Governor Diri praised the Ooni’s efforts to unify traditional institutions and promote cultural harmony. Governor Diri lauded the monarch’s humility and dignified leadership, announcing plans to invite him to the upcoming 29th anniversary celebrations of Bayelsa State.
“You have conducted yourself with grace and dignity,” Diri said. “Your visit reflects the respect and unity that traditional institutions must uphold across our diverse nation.”
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