Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at his palace to pay homage to the foremost traditional ruler in Yorubaland.
Obasanjo, who was accompanied to the palace by Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, Dr. Femi Okunnu and others, prostrated flat before the Ooni on his arrival at the palace.
Obasanjo, who lauded the moves being made by the Ooni to unite all Yoruba Obas and people, urged other monarchs to support Ogunwusi to ensure that all of them were united.
The former President stated that the unity move by the Ooni was important for the progress of Yorubaland. He urged Oba Ogunwusi not to relent in his move to ensure unity, stressing that Ife remained the source of the Yoruba race.
He said, “I commend the role of Ooni in ensuring peace in Yorubaland. Continue what you are doing, especially your unity course. I am happy with the moves so far. It is only a sign of honour for the Ooni to visit anyone. That does not deny Ile-Ife of its position in the history of Yorubaland.”
Obasanjo, who was ushered into the palace by drummers and praise singers at the palace jokingly cautioned them from singing Owu la ko da (Owu town was the first to be created).
He said that song was not appropriate especially at the Ooni’s Palace because of the paramount position of Ile-Ife, which is the source of Yoruba people.
Obasanjo said he was very happy with the steps taken by the Ooni so far, saying the moves had proved that he did not support a wrong person to occupy the exalted throne.
Oba Ogunwusi thanked Obasanjo for finding time to come and pay him a visit.
The monarch said the former President is a lover and promoter of Yoruba culture, saying others should emulate him.
Earlier, the former President had paid a similar visit to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, who was inaugurated as a king shortly after Oba Ogunwusi.
Obasanjo, who was invited for Oluwo’s coronation on January 16, said he could not attend the ceremony in person because he was outside the country then.
He called on Yoruba monarchs and their subjects to unite to continue to move the race forward.
The Oluwo also urged Obasanjo to use his influence across the globe to help Iwoland, restating his desire to speedily develop the town.
He said, “Since I became Oluwo, I have been making efforts to fast-track the development of Iwo and by the grace of God and the support of privileged Nigerians like Chief Obasanjo, we will get there.
-punchng