- hosts CBCN delegation at palace, urges stronger partnership for peace, unity
By John Dike, Osogbo
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) as a powerful moral voice whose interventions have the capacity to influence the direction of Nigeria and the wider African continent.
He made the remark when he received a delegation of Catholic bishops at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during the ongoing Second Plenary Assembly of the CBCN, hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo.
The meeting brought together traditional authority and Catholic leadership in a significant engagement centred on Nigeria’s social, economic, political and security challenges, as well as the need for greater collaboration among traditional institutions, religious bodies and government.
The delegation was led by the CBCN President and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, and included prominent Catholic leaders such as John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.
Welcoming the bishops to Ile-Ife, regarded as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, the Ooni expressed appreciation for their decision to visit the ancient city and paid tribute to the Catholic Church for its longstanding commitment to humanity and the vulnerable.
According to the monarch, the voice of the Catholic hierarchy commands significant attention because of the influence and moral authority of the bishops across Nigeria.
“Thank you for coming to Ife, where it all began. In our country, we don’t joke with bishops. Their voices are very powerful; anything you say, the entire country and even the continent usually feel it,” the Ooni said.
Oba Ogunwusi also reflected on his personal connection with the Catholic community, noting that his upbringing within a Catholic environment gave him an appreciation of the discipline, organisation and dedication associated with the Church.
He commended the bishops for consistently speaking on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, particularly the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged, stressing that the country needed institutions capable of providing moral direction at a time of serious national challenges.
The monarch, who is also Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, emphasised the importance of cooperation between traditional rulers and religious leaders in promoting peace, unity and national development.
Responding to the royal reception, Archbishop Ndagoso expressed respect for the institution of the Ooni and acknowledged the traditional ruler’s role in preserving Nigeria’s history, identity and cultural heritage.
The CBCN president also commended the Ooni for his interventions on issues of national unity, peace and youth empowerment, describing traditional institutions as important partners in efforts to build a stable and united country.
However, the engagement went beyond ceremonial exchanges as Archbishop Ndagoso used the occasion to address some of the challenges confronting Nigeria’s democratic process.
The Catholic leader called on Nigerians to reject vote-buying and other practices capable of undermining the credibility of elections, urging citizens to exercise their civic responsibilities with a strong sense of patriotism.
He stressed the importance of transparent and credible elections, particularly as the country prepares for another general election cycle, and urged Nigerians not to allow financial inducements to determine their choices at the ballot box.
The bishops also expressed concern over the difficult socio-economic conditions confronting many Nigerians, including poverty, unemployment, insecurity and the pressure on families arising from economic hardship.
Archbishop Ndagoso maintained that addressing the country’s challenges required collective action involving government, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society and other stakeholders.
He called for greater attention to the welfare and future of Nigerian youths, warning that unemployment, poverty and social exclusion could create conditions that expose young people to criminality and other harmful activities.
The CBCN leadership further stressed the need to strengthen families and communities, arguing that the fight against insecurity and criminality could not be left entirely to security agencies.
According to the bishops, religious and traditional institutions have important roles to play in promoting moral values, peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship.
The visit therefore provided an opportunity for the Catholic hierarchy and the traditional institution to exchange views on the future of Nigeria and the responsibilities of leaders in addressing the country’s challenges.
The meeting also underscored the significance of collaboration across religious and cultural institutions at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with economic difficulties, insecurity, unemployment and concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
At the end of the engagement, the bishops offered prayers for the Ooni, asking for divine guidance, wisdom and long life for the monarch as he continues to discharge his responsibilities to the people.
The visit ended on a note of mutual appreciation, with both sides highlighting the importance of peace, unity, responsible leadership and collective efforts towards the survival and development of Nigeria.
The engagement between the Ooni and the Catholic bishops formed part of activities surrounding the CBCN’s Second Plenary Assembly in Osun State, which has brought together Catholic bishops and senior Church leaders for discussions on matters affecting the Church, the Nigerian society and the nation’s future.
