Ooni Of Ife Turns 52, Urges Sustained Peace, Unity In Nigeria

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has called for sustained peace, unity and progress in Nigeria as he celebrated a low-key 52nd birthday.

The frontline monarch in a statement by the senior media officer, Ooni’s palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the director of media and public affairs, Ooni’s palace, Otunba Moses Olafare on Saturday stated that the monarch, who clocked 52 on Saturday, reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Yoruba cultural heritage, fostering national unity and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

The Ooni who is also the co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) called on Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political differences, to embrace peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and collective responsibility as essential ingredients for national development.

According to the senior media officer, Ooni’s palace, Sodiq Lawal who confirmed that there was no special event to mark the celebration, Ooni emphasised the need for citizens to work together towards building a country where peace, justice, economic prosperity and equal opportunities remain priorities.

Ooni Ogunwusi described his birthday as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of purposeful leadership, service to humanity and the preservation of cultural values.

According to him, “Peace and unity remain central to my responsibilities as the Ooni of Ife. I will continue to use my position and influence to strengthen relationships among communities, promote peaceful coexistence and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes Nigeria unique.

“I believe that our diversity should be a source of strength rather than division. I therefore urge Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political differences, to embrace mutual understanding, respect and cooperation in the collective pursuit of a united and prosperous nation.

“Throughout my reign, I have remained committed to promoting Yoruba culture and traditions while projecting the historical significance of Ile-Ife as the ancestral home. I will continue to support initiatives that preserve our heritage, strengthen cultural diplomacy and promote understanding among people across Nigeria, Africa and the global community.

“Since ascending the ancient throne of my forebears, I have continued to support initiatives focused on cultural preservation, youth development, entrepreneurship, community development and humanitarian service. I firmly believe that traditional institutions have important roles to play in fostering peace, inspiring development and complementing efforts by government and other stakeholders to improve the lives of our people.

“In my capacity as the Permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, I remain committed to promoting dialogue, strengthening traditional institutions and encouraging collaboration among leaders for the benefit of our communities and the country at large.

“I also recognise the importance of engaging with traditional rulers across Africa and members of the Yoruba diaspora to strengthen our cultural connections, promote our shared heritage and create opportunities for meaningful partnerships that will benefit present and future generations.

“As I celebrate my 52nd birthday, I call on Nigerians, particularly our youths, to remain hopeful and committed to building a country where peace, justice, economic progress and equal opportunities are accessible to all. I urge leaders across every sector to place the collective interests of the people above personal considerations and work together towards a better Nigeria.“ the monarch said.