29th January, 2016
Abiodun Onafuye/Ijebu Ode
Photo: Abiodun Onafuye, Abeokuta
The Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona has advised the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi to be wary of praise singers who may want to be loitering around him for favour.
The monarch disclosed that the Yoruba unity, which the new monarch is seeking, could be achieved if he desists from listening t sycophants.
He stated this on Friday when the Ooni paid an historic visit to him at his palace in Ijebu Ode.
Awujale alongside all the traditional rulers in Ijebuland, numbering over 50 were in attendance to give the monarch a royal welcome to the headquarters of Ijebuland.
Oba Ogunwusi, who arrived the Awujale palace at exactly 1:00pm, was accompanied by many High Chiefs and traditional rulers from the ancient town.
In his address, Awujale, who expressed happiness about the visit, recalled that there had been unity among Yoruba monarchs in the past, praying that the good days will be back.
According to him, “the first conference of Yoruba monarchs was held in 1937 at Oyo, Oyo state and the next one was here in Ijebu Ode, that was 1941. Alaafin did not attend the meeting then. Ijebu played a very prominent role in the affairs of Yoruba.
Photo: Abiodun Onafuye/ Abeokuta
“The war that occurred after 1941 had made some towns to have moved from their original location. Only Ijebu remained. Over the years, we have come together as one and have been doing things together.
“Let me at this point remember the late Ooni, Adesoji Aderemi. He was a fine man, he embraced everybody and we all loved him. When your predecessor came, he turned himself to something. I don’t know where he got his history, he said he was the father of all, he believed he was the leader.
“Your statement during inauguration was so impressive. That statement will bring unity and peace to the Yoruba race.
Ijebu traditional Council joining Awujale to welcome Ooni to Ijebuland. Photo: Abiodun Onafuye
“Now, hear this, there are many socio-cultural groups who always say they are fighting the interest of the Yoruba. I don’t believe so. They are working for themselves. Be careful of them, they are praise singers, don’t listen to them. If we join hands together and speak in one voice, we can achieve a lot for our people.”
While speaking, the Ooni of Ife thanked Awujale and other traditional rulers in Ijebu for their hospitality, adding that “Awujale is a good leader who has been endowed by the King of kings”.
He called for unity among Yoruba monarchs so as to move the region forward.
Oba Ogunwusi appealed to all Yoruba monarchs to come together to discuss the way forward for the region and forget about supremacy which, according to him, “belongs to God, the creator of our lives and King of and over all kings.
“I am a very young man, attaining this post at my early stage. This throne is far beyond my age, it requires wisdom, knowledge and understanding. And for someone to have spent 56 years on the throne, I decided to move closer to him.
“Yoruba race has a lot of benefits. God loves us most. In all ramifications, we are the best and the first in Nigeria. If we are not in unity, we will not value ourselves. United we stand, divided we fall.
“We should all work towards unity as we have to be together to move the region forward. Now is the time.
“I have come to visit our father to know his state of health.I’m happy today that he is healthier and all other kings and chiefs in Ijebuland too, I’m glad to see this.”