By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Aseyin of Iseyin Kingdom in Oyo State, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, Adeyeri III Ajirotutu I, has expressed his readiness to join hands with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, in ensuring peace and tranquility across Yorubaland.

The new Iseyin monarch made this known during his visit to Ooni Ogunwusi at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife on Monday, describing the visit as a historic homage paid by a son to his father.

Oba Olawale, according to Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs at Ooni’s Palace, said that he came to reaffirm his continued loyalty to the Ooni, a gesture that was institutionalized by his predecessor, Oba AbdulGaniy Adekunle Oloogunebi.

“In tandem with our traditions and history inherited from my predecessor and all our ancestors, I am here today accompanied by my queen, kingmakers, and prominent Iseyin sons and daughters to pay homage to my father, the Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, who undoubtedly remains the overall head of the entire Oduduwa race worldwide. I am a son who has come to check on his father.

“Our ancestors enjoyed a cordial relationship between Iseyin and Ile-Ife, our cradle, centuries ago. My immediate predecessor, Oba AbdulGaniy Adekunle Oloogunebi, was able to consolidate our ties with Ile-Ife, and we are here again to continue and strengthen it. Where you go is where I go,” Aseyin said.

Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi, who doubles as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), confirmed the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between Iseyin and Ile-Ife.

“Kabiyesi Aseyin, you are perfectly correct about the Aseyin/Ooni cordial relationship. I am very proud of your determination to enhance our existing cordiality for the benefit of our race’s progress. That’s commendable, and I assure you and the good people of the Iseyin Kingdom of our unwavering love.”

Ooni, who is the Leader of The Southern Nigeria Forum of Traditional Rulers, blessed the visiting Aseyin with prayers for good health, long life, and a peaceful, prosperous reign for the new monarch of Iseyin Kingdom. He urged him to be magnanimous in victory and to always work for the peace, development, and growth of the Iseyin Kingdom.

“Bring everyone on board, work with them all. Even your opponents have now become your subjects today, and you must be magnanimous in victory. Invite sons and daughters to Iseyin for development. If they don’t come home, you must visit them wherever they are globally and attract them home.”