By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on Yoruba people and all descendants of Oduduwa across Africa and the diaspora to uphold the spirit of unity, peace, and cultural pride in order to foster progress and strengthen ancestral bonds among members of the House of Oduduwa worldwide.
The monarch made the call while speaking with newsmen during the 2025 Ghana Isokan Festival, held yesterday at the PWD Grounds, opposite the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) office in Accra, Ghana.
The Ooni of Ife who was represented at the occasion by his spokesperson, Otunba Moses Olafare expressed delight over the annual celebration, which he said symbolises the enduring bond among Yoruba descendants in the diaspora.
According to a statement by Sodiq Lawal, Media Assistant to the Director of Media, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Olafare conveyed the monarch’s goodwill message:
“The Ooni sends his heartfelt greetings to all Yoruba people residing in Ghana and across Africa. His Majesty remains deeply committed to promoting unity, love, and cooperation among all Oduduwa descendants, irrespective of geographical boundaries.”the statement said
Olafare emphasised that the Ooni’s mission is to reconnect Africans with their ancestral roots and restore pride in their cultural identity—an essential pathway to achieving sustainable peace and development across the continent.
“The Ooni believes that our progress as Africans depends on our ability to rediscover who we are, uphold our shared heritage, and stand together as one people,” he added.
In his goodwill message, the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana, Ambassador Dayo Adeoye, commended the organisers of the Isokan Festival for promoting unity and preserving Yoruba heritage in the diaspora.
Speaking before the gathering of traditional rulers, community leaders, and dignitaries, Ambassador Adeoye congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulrasheed Buraimoh, the Leader of the Yoruba Community in Ghana, for sustaining the annual celebration.
“I am delighted to be part of this auspicious occasion of the Isokan Festival 2025, which marks the fourth edition in the series. The Yoruba people in Ghana have demonstrated remarkable wisdom and commitment to preserving their cultural identity. Isokan means unity—unity in thought, purpose, and action. When there is unity, there is peace, progress, and development,” Adeoye said.
He further described the festival as a significant cultural and diplomatic platform that strengthens not only the Yoruba community but also promotes African unity and cultural diplomacy.
“Culture indeed is another form of diplomacy. Our gathering here reminds us of the importance of cultural diplomacy—not just for promoting bilateral relations between our countries, but also for building bridges across our communities. Festivals like Isokan strengthen the fabric of Africa’s unity, encourage dialogue, and highlight the rich contributions of African traditions to the global community,” he noted.
Ambassador Adeoye also acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests including Oba Abdulrasheed Buraimoh, leaders of the Arewa and Igbo communities in Ghana, traditional chiefs, and representatives of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, whom he praised for supporting initiatives that reinforce unity and peace among Nigerians in the diaspora.
He urged Nigerians living in Ghana to remain law-abiding, promote harmony with their host country, and serve as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.
“As we gather here today, let us carry forward the spirit of Isokan. Let us continue to support one another as a community, uphold the laws of our host country, and remain worthy ambassadors of Nigeria wherever we are,” he said.
The event, themed “Isokan” (Unity), drew distinguished traditional rulers, government officials, cultural leaders, and members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ghana. It marked the fourth edition of the festival, which has become a rallying point for the Yoruba community in Ghana.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Oyeyemi Fatuyi, Baale of Mataheko-Afienya and one of the festival coordinators, described unity as the foundation of societal progress.
“Isokan is the reason we are here. It is the force that brings success and peace to our community. A society without Isokan will be filled with conflict. This festival reminds us that only through unity we can thrive,” Fatuyi said.
Also addressing the mammoth crowd, the Iyalode of Ghana, Hajiatu Nuru Folashade, urged Yoruba youths to uphold moral values and resist social vices such as drug abuse.
“We are one family, united by culture and bound by divine unity. Unity demands responsibility. Our youths must protect their future and return to the Omoluabi virtues that define our identity. May Allah continue to bless the Yoruba community in Ghana,” she stated.
The colourful festival featured rich cultural displays, including Sango traditional dance, Osun performances, and other artistic showcases celebrating Yoruba heritage.
Dignitaries and guests at the event commended the Ooni for his unwavering efforts in strengthening the cultural and diplomatic relationship between the Yoruba people and their counterparts across Africa and the diaspora.