Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Archives

Ooni Wants Nigeria To Prioritise Cultural Tourism For Economic Success

By Mariam Bello

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has insisted on the need for the government to put cultural tourism into priority as a veritable tool for economic growth of the states in Yorubaland, saying tradition is the root of Yoruba’s heritage.

Ooni Ogunwusi said this on Saturday while making his speech during this year’s edition of the annual Osun festival tagged “Ita Osun 2018” held at the Osun shrine, Ita Osun in Ile-Ife which served as the first settlement of Osun goddess from where she moved around the world.

“Tradition is the root of Yoruba’s heritage, Nigerian government and all the states in Yorubaland must invest in cultural tourism to productively drive economic growth as this is the case in Isreal, Saudi-Arabia, Brazil and other tourist destinations in the world using pilgrimages as lucrative economic tourism” Ooni said

The Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria also used the occasion to preach peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, saying Nigeria will survive at the time of challenges only if the people maintain peace with one another irrespective of religion and ethnicity.

As the Custodian of the sacred throne of Oduduwa, the progenitor of Yoruba people worldwide, Ooni explained that Osun is one of the 401 deities sent by the Almighty God to form the world from Ile-Ife then known as Ife-Oodaye.

He said while Oduduwa, Ogun and Kori were in charge of Prayer, Iron and children respectively, Osun was made a deity that has to do with water who should always be celebrated as no one can function without water.

The African foremost monarch concluded his speech by insisting Nigerians must uphold their cultural heritage and traditions by showcasing deities like Osun, saying water is an essential commodity that is necessary and compulsory for humanity.

“No one can be enemy to water, we should therefore celebrate and always remember this deity that has to do with productivity and multiplication”.

“We are not Idol worshippers as people think of, but we are promoting our cultural heritage as being done all over the world because any stream that forget the source will surely dry”.

“I am pleading with our governments at all levels especially in Yorubaland to support prioritizing tradition and culture of Yoruba for economic gains because tradition is the root of our heritage.

Also, Rt Hon Muyiwa Oladipo, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ogun State, commended Ooni Ogunwusi for prioritising tradition and culture of the Yorubas.

Pressure Mounts On Ooni To Get New Queen

By Sodiq Lawal

Another controversy is currently rearing its ugly head in the ancient city of Ile-Ife as there are indications that the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi may be under intense pressure to get a new wife as tradition forbids Yoruba monarchs not to have a queen.

This comes against the backdrop of the controversial separation between the Ooni and ex queen, Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi last year which has left the foremost traditional monarch without a spouse for almost a year which is mounting a lot of pressure on the frontline traditional ruler.

According to palace sources, the current bachelor status of the royal father is becoming a source of concern to Ife traditional palace chiefs who feel that something needs to be done urgently to address the situation before complaints from the people get out of hand.

The situation, according to the source becomes graver when one considers the highly unusual and controversial circumstances surrounding the separation of the couple with exchange of allegations such as infidelity, barrenness, wife battery and impotence among others between the erstwhile royal couple.

The source added that top efforts are already in gear to scout around for suitable and befitting queen but so far all the candidates screened are presumed to be unqualified as they all have one character flaw or the other.

The palace source added that the palace chiefs are also being careful with their choice this time around to avoid a repeat case of the former queen, Olori Wuraola whose wedding, many believed to be done in haste without proper courtship, hence the shortness of the marriage.

Another source who corroborated the story said among the options being explored is getting a bride from the neighbouring Modakeke community, a move which while some believe will douse the cold animosity between the two communities, others are against in view of the age long war between the two towns .

Another option of one Bimbo who is based in Canada was said not to have gone well with most of the traditional chiefs who felt, being foreign based, she may not be well versed in the traditions and culture of the land.

Since the break up between Oba Ogunwusi and his erstwhile wife, Olori Wuraola there had been- rumours and stories of his involvement with a couple of ladies with the media suggesting that each of them was likely to become the replacement.

One of them, Emmanuella Ropo was disqualified on account of her past. It was learnt that Emmanuella Ropo was twice married with children and she has been in circulation for a while.

Her first marriage to one Joshua Adewale, an oil dealer, produced two children girls, then she hooked one Femi and had her third child a boy.
She was also allegedly been spotted with a popular Abeokuta-based Fuji musician, Alhaji Sefiu Alao Adekunle aka Omo Oko, who lost his wife in December, 2016 as well as a senior customs officer whose daughter got married recently at Oniru, in Lagos, and one Engr. Toye, who is allegedly a friend of the Ooni.

It has been revealed that Emmanuella, who hails from Abeokuta in Ogun State, has just ended her well documented steamy love affair with Femi, who had moved into her house at Anthony Enahoro Estate in Ogba, Ikeja.
Pictures taken when love was blind were sent to some media.
Emmanuella also stepped out with the Ooni to attend a high-society wedding in Lagos.

It was also learnt that one of Ooni’s sisters, Adesola, aka Yeye Two, was not comfortable with the unfolding scenario.

According to a source, Emmanuella and Oba Ogunwusi had been seeing each other before the crash of Ooni’s marriage.

Another source said that the romance was gingered after the marriage crashed in August, and scouts went all out looking for another Queen for the King.

One of the scouts, close to Oonis family, is an Apapa-Lagos-based socialite and business tycoon.

She hails from Ilesha, and a toast of musicians in Lagos and Emmanuella is one of the ladies she has groomed in her circle.

She allegedly introduced Emmanuella to Oba Ogunwusi, and they took to each other like duck to water. But some of those in the know started shouting: Let the Buyer Beware! which eventually resulted in their parting ways.

Another name that cropped up early this year is the popular Nigerian singer, Araola Apake, popularly known as Ara, who was alleged to be involved in a relationship with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi but the musician denied the allegation.

Whichever way one looks at it, the vacuum left by Olori Zainab Wuraola is begging to be filled and it is very obvious that indeed a lot of people are disgruntled with the current single status of Ooni Ogunwusi.

Oba Of Benin Urges Aregbesola, Other Governors, To End Unwarranted Killings

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba N’edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II has urged the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, to work with his colleagues in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum on to stop the incessant killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the country.

The monarch challenged the Presidency to surmount the national security challenges confronting the country by taking the necessary steps that would strengthen security in every part of the country.

Oba of Benin made the call on Saturday during a courtesy visit to Governor Aregbesola at Government House, Osogbo. He said it is necessary to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and as well rescue the country from the shackles of insecurity that has daily become the lot of the citizenry.

The revered monarch lamented the level of insecurity in the country which he said has painted Nigeria in bad light in the comity of nations, hence the need for government at all levels to do the needful to end the menace.

According to him, “I want you to mobilise your colleagues in the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to address the issue of insecurity in the country and do something to stop the unwarranted killings by Fulani herdsmen in Benue, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Edo and other parts of the country.

“It is unfortunate that this is going on in our land, we want something to be quickly done as soon as possible so that Nigerians can know peace because people are being swallowed by cattle in the land.

“We even learnt that there might be some international connections to it, we don’t know anything about that, all we want is for it to stop so that our people can know peace again.

“Nigerians cherish their comfort and a peaceful environment so much; so we are charging those of you at the helms of affairs in the country to do everything humanly possible to guarantee peace for Nigerians.

“The bloodletting is too much in the land and the nation is bleeding, we want a stop to this. The killing of innocent citizens has to stop in every part of this country. It is worrisome that the trending news in the country today is killing here and there, no day you will not hear the news that people have been butchered by herdsmen. Mr Governor, something urgent needs to be done about it.

“I want to use this opportunity to implore Nigerians on the need for them to be vigilant and security conscious more than ever before in our society, it is important for us all to know our neighbours for our own safety’, the monarch stressed.

The traditional ruler also condemned in its totality the prevalence of human trafficking in the country particularly in Edo State, describing the menace as modern day slavery that must be urgently confronted.

Oba Ewuare II said it is time for Nigerian government to be on top of its responsibilities, emphasizing that all hands must be on deck to put a stop to the ugly trend.

Describing human trafficking as crime against fellow human beings, the traditional ruler admonished Nigerians not to see it as an Edo State problem but a national challenge which everybody must rise against for the good of the nation.

Oba Ewuare II commended the British government and other members of the international community for being sensitive to Nigeria’s plights, saying ‎their impacts at recognizing the efforts of the royal stool in a bid to put an end to the scourge had yielded positive results.

The monarch called on Nigerians to ‎support the campaign against corruption in the country, noting that for a nation to grow, her citizen must detest any form of corrupt practices.

According the Oba, “The modern slavery in our land today is that of human trafficking and unfortunately many people see it as an Edo State problem, but I tell you it is far from it. We all need to come together and fight this menace that is staring us in the face or else we will all suffer for it.

“On our part we are doing all that is humanly possible to put an end to human trafficking in our land because it is a crime against a fellow human being, other parts of the country don’t need to stigmatize Edo State, we need to see it as a national issue.

“It now a national and international issue and I am happy to inform you that the British government has recognized our effort in trying to curb the menace and it is gratifying to note that the Ife and Benin kingdoms have agreed to work together on solving the problem”, he added.

In his remarks, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, disclosed that efforts are in top gear to eliminate all forms of insecurity in the country,

He described the spate of gruesome killings in some parts of the country as criminal and an act of lawlessness which is beyond the issue of farmers, herdsmen clash alone.

Arebesola held that the issue of Fulani/herdsmen killings have been extensively discussed at the last National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja, assured Nigerians that the unfortunate killings by the Fulani herdsmen will soon be a thing of the past.

He said the killings became worrisome for the government to the extent that last National Executive Council meeting was devoted to the discussion on how to tackle the menace, stressing that an end to the lawlessness is already in sight.

The governor who assured Nigerians that government is not folding its arms on threat to national security, charged Nigerians to always go about their lawful duties without fear as the government at the centre is doing everything possible to ensure that Nigeria continues to be peaceful.

“I want to assure that government is not folding its arms as to the security situation in the country, we are pained about what is going on and I want you to know that the last National Executive Council meeting was devoted to discussing a way out of the current security challenge in the country.

“The act is criminal and lawless and we condemn it entirety. I want us to begin to see it beyond just farmers and Fulani herdsmen clash but a monster that shouldn’t be allowed to grow.

“The cheering news is that I want Nigerians to know that we will be over this crisis in the next few weeks by God’s grace”. Aregbesola stated.

Aregbesola also assured the visiting monarch that all efforts will be put in place to mobilize the state’s traditional institution on the need to champion the campaign to completely eradicate human trafficking in Nigeria.

He therefore described the visit as the re-enactment of Yoruba heritage.

Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi expressed delight on the visit of Oba Ewuare II, saying it is an affirmation to the fact that Yoruba people remain united.

Oba Ogunwusi said the visit has demonstrated the huge love, unity and cohesion between the people of Benin and the whole Yoruba speaking States in Nigeria.

He called on Yoruba people to continue to love one another and always uphold the culture, heritage and values that the race is known for.

“Today, it is evident that we have made another history‎ by our common ancestry and cultural heritage through this visit.

“It shows that Yorubas are one and united, irrespective of place and location because there is no joy as joy of one’s origin, which we have felt through this visit”, Ooni stated

PHOTONEWS: Oba Of Benin, Ooni Visit Aregbesola

The Oba of Benin, HRM Omo N’oba N’edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II and members of the Benin Traditional Council accompanied by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on Saturday evening paid a courtesy call on the Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola at the Government House in Osogbo.

The visit was on the heels of the visit of the Benin Paramount Traditional Ruler to Ile Ife, the source of the human race.

Dolapo Julius captured the event with the following photos

Don’t Relent In Your Support For Aregbesola – Ooni Charges Osun People

By Nofisat Marindoti

The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has urged residents of the State of Osun to back development by supporting the present administration led by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Oba Ogunwusi said this during a courtesy visit by the Governor as part of events heralding his tour of Federal Constituencies in the state.

The Governor said the purpose of the visit was to check on party members at the various Constituencies.

He sought the Ooni’s prayers and approval in order to make the entire event a successful one.

Meanwhile, the Ooni expressed his happiness at seeing the Governor and appreciated his support for the town.

He also urged members of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, to be united, adding that disunity hinders development.

Ooni, Oluwo Deny Rift, Rancour

Two first class traditional rulers in Yorubaland, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi,Telu have denied media reports that the two are embattled in a rift.

The duo said the reports are untrue and mere insinuation.

The development came at the heels of a peace meeting of the Osun State Traditional Rulers Council at his palace in Ile-ife on Thursday, where Oba Ogunwusi, who is reportedly not in good terms with the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdukrasheed Akanbi, told the latter that he had not been prevented from attending the council meeting.

The Oluwo has never attended the meeting since he ascended the throne in 2015.

It was gathered that some Obas of the council had during the last meeting held on July 4, 2017, raised the issue of the Oluwo and they resolved to go to Iwo to go and prevail on him to attend council meeting.

The Ooni of Ife, who arrived at the venue of the meeting went round and greeted all the traditional rulers one after the other while the monarchs stood up to acknowledge his greetings.

The Ooni, who presided on the meeting prayed for the monarchs and the towns each of them presided over.

Oba Ogunwusi said, “It is been long we held this meeting. The meeting is usually held on a monthly basis. This is not the time to point accusing finger at anybody.

“The Timi came to me and told me that he would not be here because he was traveling out and that he had scheduled the trip before the meeting was called. So, also is the Orangun of Ila.

“I greet the Oluwo specially. Like I always say, all of you left here. I am the caretaker here. Unity and the development of our state is very important.

“Some traditional rulers have departed the world since our last meeting the Olubosin of Ifetedo, Salu Edun Abon and Olulamokun of Yakoyo.

“We should portray ourselves the way we should. We should carry ourselves with dignity and royalty. We should unite and stand as one. Our meeting is how to bring about development to our state and the nation.

“I greet the Oluwo special especially being his first time of coming here. Nobody is asking you not to come here. This is your house.”

Speaking, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Olawale said there peace and harmony among the traditional rulers in the state.

The Olojuo of Ido Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, who is the secretary to the Council of Obas and about 70 other traditional rulers were in attendance.

Ile Ife Agog For Ile Aje Festival

By Sodiq Lawal

Thousands of residents, tourists, Nollywood actors and actresses on Monday joined the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwunsi to celebrate Ile Aje festival.

The Ooni said that the survival of the African people rests heavily on the sustainability of the Traditional Culture saying government and the people must collective utilize the culture as a way to greatly record productive economic advancement.

Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Spiritual leader of the Yoruba race worldwide made the disclosure on Monday during the celebrations of annual Aje Festival (deity of wealth) in Ile-Ife.

He said that Nigeria is abundantly blessed with cultural tourism potentials capable of turning the country to a viable economic nation.

The frontline monarch added that the county’s cultural potentials should be productively showcased as culture does not affect religions saying Culture does not even have a specific religion.

“As Christians or Muslims, we all need to respect our cultural heritage.”

“In 2017, we prayed during the Aje Festival and we centered our prayers on the economic recession, and within one week, we surprisingly experienced dollar crash from about #480 to #350. ”
” We have prayed and very soon, the economy will improve tremendously “. Ooni said.

“AJE is the spirit of market profitability. That is why it’s festival is very important to all humanity, because nobody can survive without it”.

“If we do business, profit is expected, if you work you expect stipends at the end of the month, so that is simply ‘Aje’, ” , he expressed.

He urged the Youths to be industrious so as to fulfill their destiny and not to take the short-cut route to success.

The Co-chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria implored Youths to be agents of peace and refuse to engage in brigandage as election period is drawing nearer. He also prayed for the peace and progress of Ile-Ife, State of Osun, Nigeria, Africa and the world as a whole.

“Don’t let politicians use you for thuggery or election violence as you too can be in their positions if you discover yourself and remain focused and full of determination. ” he counselled.

“As we are gathered here today to celebrate AJE the festival of wealth, the Almighty Olodumare(God) will answer our prayers, he will abundantly give us peace and economic progress in Ile-Ife, in the State of Osun, in Nigeria, in Africa and. the world at large.”Ooni prayed

In her speech, the Chief Promoter of 2018 AJE Festival, Princess Toyin Kolade, said that Yoruba culture is too important and rich to be ignored if we a must be seen as a serious people who care for the future generations because it depicts a significant perspective.

According to her, Aje is a festival of wealth which radiates on all the nooks and crannies of the world from its root at Ejigbomekun market, the world’s oldest market located at Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race.

She called Nigerians to value their cultural heritage, rather than ignoring them in favour because of foreign Culture and religion.

Veteran Yoruba Film Actress, Mrs Idowu Philips popularly called “Mama Rainbow” who led other Nollywood actors/actresses including Saheed Balogun in her short speech eulogised Ooni Ogunwusi for his unprecedented strides especially in Peace making and Cultural tourism revolution. Mama Rainbow urged all the other Traditional rulers in Yorubaland to emulate the Ooni who she described as “uncommon king”.

Ewi Conundrum: Ife Indigenes Back Adedoyin, Urges Maye To Speak Out

By Sodiq Lawal

Residents and indigenes of the ancient city of Yoruba land, Île Ife in their hundreds have assured the founder of Oduduwa University, Chief Ramon Adedoyin that there won’t be any crisis if he speaks out.

Adedoyin who had been on suspension as the Maye Of Ife by the Royal Traditional Council of the town over a trending poetry “Ewi” on Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi released to defame the stool of the monarch had since been shunning media interviews all in the name of “avoiding crisis in Ile Ife”.

Our correspondent gathered that since his suspension, the residents of the town, indigenes, visitors and others have been anticipating to hear from Adedoyin.

Discussions of residents and indigenes of the ancient city showed assurances for Adedoyin that there won’t be any crisis or war if he speaks the truth.

According to a youth leader, Mrs Aramide Omolare who resides at Lagere area in Ile Ife, “Adedoyin should speak out. Ife sons and daughters want to know the limelight of the saga from the beginning to the end.

“We assure him that there won’t be war or anarchy. Adedoyin has been a great philanthropist, that we all respect.”

Prince Adedeji Olarewaju, an indigene of the town, also appealed to Adedoyin to stop saying there will be crisis if he talks, adding that there are ways he can use to express himself that won’t lead to crisis.

Olarewaju however urged Adedoyin to be proactive in dealing with matters.

Royal Rumble: Oluwo, Ooni Clash At Traditional Council Meeting

The traditional rulers summit which took place in Port-Harcourt last Tuesday was almost marred by an unpleasant confrontation between the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurasheed Adewale Akanbi ,and the Chief Securiy Officer (CSO) to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

The tense situation could have snowballed into a bigger crisis but for reason that eventually prevailed.

The incident occurred at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt.

It was gathered that the Ooni of Ife ,Oba Ogunwusi had just finished giving a vote of thanks, and was on his way back to his seat when his CSO, Mr. Emmanuel Olawale Kolawole, who led other security aides of the monarch allegedly had a brush with the Oluwo, who appeared to be blocking the Ooni from accessing his seat.

The Oluwo, it was learnt, was by then discussing with the Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. Abdurahman Dambazzau, who shared the high table with the Ooni and the Rivers State gover, Nyesome Wike.

A source in the Oluwo’s court who witnessed the incident alleged that the CSO out of overzealousness, threatened to push the monarch if he did not give way for Ooni to pass.

He was said to have ignored Oba Akanbi’s entreaties to “take it easy” and pushed him out of the way.

A visibly embarrassed Oluwo, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Osun State Traditional Rulers Council had to step aside to pave way for Ooni to get to his seat, the source said.

But the media aide to the Ooni, Comrade Moses Olafare, denied that such scenario ever happened in Port Harcourt.

Olafare lamented that the report was not only shocking and a big surprise but also misleading, adding that there was no iota of truth in it.

Some of the guests at the event, and other eye witnesses accounts reported observing Ooni expressing satisfaction with the conduct of his CSO.

Some dignitaries at the event were however taken aback on what they considered as desecration of the crown wondering loudly how Ooni’s CSO could have the effrontery to push a first class paramount ruler of Oluwo’s status.

The security detail concerned, Kolawole, also denied pushing the Oluwo or manhandling him, although he admitted in a telephone interview that the had an encounter with the monarch in the course of discharging his legitimate duty.

He said he could not have disrespected a revered Oba as a true Yoruba son, but maintained that he had a duty to secure his principal.

According to him, when the Ooni finished his speech and was returning to his seat beside the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen Abdurahman Dambazzau and the Rivers state governor ,as well as some Emirs ,he quickly moved to receive and sit behind him.

“I didn’t expect the Oluwo to stand there because his seat was not there. So, I only excused and asked him to move away from there. I didn’t push him as alleged’’.

Emmanuel who reiterated that he was only doing his job added; ’’I’m the Ooni’s CSO, and all the other CSOs sat behind their principals.

He also denied that he acted on the instruction or the approval of Ooni Adeyeye, saying that he was not aware of any cold war between the two royal fathers. “Eyan wa ni won now, meaning: He (Oluwo) is our own now. How could I have done that?”

Olafare in a reaction added that there were over 100 journalists and 30 camera men at the event, arguing that if such a thing happened, it would have been reported since last when the event was held.

He wondered why the report was being pushed in the media “to cause confusion.”

He said there has been no running battle between the Ooni and Oluwo, adding that when the Ooni arrived the venue of the occasion, Oluwo was the first among the set of prominent traditional rulers and guests that he (the Ooni) greeted.

He, however, argued that what the Oluwo had misunderstood as a molestation by the Ooni’s CSO was a mere protocol assignment that he (the CSO) had the mandate to perform for his principal.

Olafare said that the CSO politely asked the Oluwo to excuse the Ooni to be able to access his seat.

He said that in fairness to him, the Oluwo obliged immediately and the Ooni was able to access his seat.

“Going to the high table to introduce himself to Dambazzau on the high table while the programme was still on and blocking the Ooni from accessing his seat after delivering his speech and blocking the views of other guests was a breach of protocol on the part of the Oluwo.

In any case, when his CSO politely asked him to excuse the Ooni to get to his seat, he obliged in fairness to him and there was no problem. So, it is surprising that Oluwo is now trying to make a case out of this,” Olafare said.

Culled From The Sun Newspaper

Wike Receives Ooni, Sultan Hails Nigerian Traditional Rulers For Unity Campaigns

By Sodiq Lawal

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has hailed the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria under the Co-chairmanship of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar for their relentless efforts at keeping the country together.

Governor Wike made the commendation on Monday in his office while hosting the traditional rulers who had paid him a courtesy visit. He promised to always partner with the traditional institutions, saying that is what is needed to move the country in the direction of unity which according to him remains non-negotiable.

“The Sultan and Ooni are my fathers. We are so grateful to be the State you have chosen to host this historic national event which is the 9th General Assembly of The National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria”.

“For us in Rivers state, the unity of Nigeria is very imperative and it remains non-negotiable. It is too important to be toyed with. That is why we will always partner with our traditional rulers as we have been doing.

“Gone are the days when the king’s would only sit at their palaces restricting Governance to the government alone. Every citizen of this country comes from a traditional ruler. So, we are all accountable to you no matter who we are be it President or Governor.
That’s how we do in this state as a government, thank God the Chairman of Rivers Council of Traditional Rulers is here, King Jaja of Opobo. He can testify”. Governor Wike said

Speaking on behalf of the visiting monarchs, a Co-chairman of National Traditional Rulers Council Of Nigeria, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II of Ile-Ife who is also the Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council appreciated the Governor and the people of Rivers state for hosting them at this period which he said is a very crucial time in the country when unity must be the collective watchword.

“We thank you Mr Governor and your team for hosting the Nigerian traditional rulers who have come from all parts of the country to discuss on how to join hands with government for the unity and progress of Nigeria ”

“We are here to see how best we can further cement our togetherness across all the districts within the North and South of the country because unity is all we need. As matter of fact, our first demand is unity, our second demand is unity and our third demand is unity”. Ooni Ogunwusi said.

He added “The truth be told, the traditional rulers are the closest to the grassroots. We can not fold our arms, we must work together and join forces with the government and others leaders of thoughts in this country if truly we must progress as a people”.

The National Council of Traditional Rulers Council Of Nigeria is holding its 9th General Assembly at Port Harcourt in Rivers State from Monday 30th to Tuesday 31s of January, 2018

Osoosi Festival: Ooni Says Religious Intolerance Is Bane Of Peaceful Co-Existence

By Sodiq Lawal

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has identified religious intolerance as the bane of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, noting that Godliness is different from religion.

The Spiritual Head of the Yoruba race worldwide stated this while speaking on Thursday during the annual Osoosi festival in Ile-Ife.

He urged Nigerians to see the country’s cultural and religious diversity as a great advantage needed to move forward socially, politically and economically rather than using it negatively, the result of which can only be backwardness.

“Nigeria is blessed with cultural and religious diversity which must not be seen as a curse but a blessing”

“What people practice today is ungodly religionism. It is very devilish for anyone to kill or maim in the name of religious differences. Deliberate frustration of peaceful coexistence in a diverse society like ours is an act of sacrilegious dogmatism perpetrated by the victims of religious brainwashing”

“We are all one before the Almighty God and we must remain so to allow for peaceful coexistence if we must progress socially, politically and economically “. Ooni Ogunwusi stated.

Obatala adherents at the event said Osoosi is a festival of African pantheon of divinity, configuration and interchange of power.

The ongoing Obatala Festival with a gathering of hundreds of foreigners especially from Brazil, Cuba, Venezuela, Jamaica and United States of America is expected to end on Tuesday 23th of January 2018