The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi on Wednesday disclosed how former President Olusegun Obasanjo facilitated his emergence as the Ooni of Ife.
The monarch stated this during his visit to the former President at his Presidential Hilltop residence in Abeokuta.
Ooni while recalling the role Obasanjo played in his emergence, said “I remember that when I was still a Prince, it was this same sacred room that I knelt down before Baba and he laid his hands upon me and prayed for me in African way. And the result is what we are seeing today.
The monarch was full of gratitude for the role the former President played in his emergence as the Ooni after the demise of Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
He said “So, for me, I cannot but get closer and closer to Baba. May he forever live long for us not only in Nigeria but to the world. I am happy to be here and I will continue to come. You are one of the foremost Blackmen on the surface of the earth. We implore you that what we grew up to know about is preaching for the unity of this country and it is based on that we are following you so that the unity of this country is not negotiable,” Ogunusi said.
The Monarch however, sought for Obasanjo’s intervention on youth empowerment.
He said his call to Obasanjo became necessary because the youth required guidance from the likes of Obasanjo and other respected statesmen in the country .
“Sir, in all you do, do not forget the youth. The more we have such person like you, the better the Nigerian society would be. It is the youth that some of the bad politicians approached to cause confusion in the society. And we want to say enough is enough.
“They need someone to channel their energy into productive venture and someone like you who have seen Nigeria and who possesses an incomparable experience is what they need to motivate them to become responsible elders.
“We have more youth who are trying to uplift our culture and they look up to you Baba. They are here with me, because when I told them that I am coming here they said it will be an opportunity to see you in person.”
Obasanjo, while responding said he would love to come down to Ife to see the Monarch, “but, when he insisted that he will like to come, who am I to turned down our Kabiyesi.”
He advised the Monarch to remain focused, noting that, “you have started well and may God continue to be with you. In a nation of diverse ethnic group like Nigeria, we must see people whose action will bridge the gap of the diversity and forester unity.
That is the role that is expected from traditional rulers like you , your palace must be opened to all and sundry irrespective of their political, social, religious background. While politicians are beating the drums of war and discord, traditional rulers like you must not join them, but use your good office to strengthen unity,” Obasanjo counseled. – Vanguard.
