By John Dike
Arole Oduduwa and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and mutual understanding as he celebrates his 52nd birthday.
Also, he urgef leaders across different sectors to place the collective interests of the people above personal considerations, stressing that a better Nigeria could only be achieved through responsible leadership, cooperation and a shared commitment to national development.
In a renewed commitment to cultural preservation, national unity and the welfare of Nigerians,the royal father who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), made the call on Saturday as he marked his 52nd birthday anniversary.
His calls were in a statement by the Senior Media Officer of his Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, where he urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political differences in the collective pursuit of national development.
Besides, he stressed that peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and collective responsibility remained essential ingredients for building a prosperous nation where justice, economic opportunities and the welfare of citizens were prioritised.
The Ooni described his birthday as an opportunity to reflect on purposeful leadership, service to humanity and the preservation of cultural values, reaffirming his determination to deploy his position and influence towards strengthening relationships among communities.
“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,” he said.
The monarch maintained that Nigeria’s cultural and religious diversity should be a source of national strength rather than division, urging citizens to embrace cooperation and understanding for the country’s collective progress.
“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,” he added.
Reflecting on his reign, Oba Ogunwusi reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Yoruba culture and traditions while projecting the historical significance of Ile-Ife as the ancestral home of the Yoruba race.
He said he would continue to support initiatives aimed at preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage, strengthening cultural diplomacy and promoting understanding among people across Nigeria, Africa and the international community.
According to him, traditional institutions have significant roles to play in fostering peace, encouraging development and complementing government efforts to improve the living conditions of the people.
The Ooni disclosed that since ascending the ancient throne of his forebears, he had supported initiatives focusing on cultural preservation, youth development, entrepreneurship, community development and humanitarian service.
He also underscored the importance of dialogue and collaboration among traditional rulers, noting that stronger traditional institutions could contribute significantly to community stability and national development.
“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,” he said.
The monarch further highlighted the need to strengthen cultural ties with traditional rulers across Africa and members of the Yoruba diaspora, describing such engagements as important avenues for promoting shared heritage and creating meaningful partnerships for present and future generations.
As he marked his 52nd birthday, Oba Ogunwusi particularly urged Nigerian youths to remain hopeful and committed to building a nation where peace, justice, economic progress and equal opportunities were accessible to all.
