BY Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo
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Ooni of lfe, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has called for unity among the Yorubas, saying healthy development can only be achieved through genuine peace and unity.
He also urged traditional rulers to come together and speak in unison in the interest of the country, noting that they are the custodian of tradition and the representatives of the people.
Ooni stated these at the weekend during a courtesy visit by the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaiye, and the Onibeju-Lekki-elect, Walihu Olasunkanmi, at his palace in Ile-Ife.
The duo were at the Ooni’s palace to show appreciation on the roles played by Ogunwusi in ensuring their enthronement in their communities.
He also said sustaining unity among traditional rulers in the country was the panacea to finding lasting solutions to the problems confronting the country.
The Ooni further said that the country would be better off if traditional rulers across the county speak with one voice on national issues.
“lf there is unity and harmony among our people and the traditional rulers in the country, the struggle to attain enviable development in all facets of life would be an easy task,” he said.
He called on the Yorubas to rally support for efforts aimed at promoting cultural festivals and traditions of the ethnic group.
Earlier, Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Ajakaiye had lauded the wisdom and role of the Ooni in promoting unity in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
“We have come to Ile-Ife to cement a very ancient relationship that was cultivated and nurtured by our forefathers.
“Your Royal Majesty, we have come to Ile-Ife to seek wisdom and blessings as well as demonstrate to our people that we are all tied by a thread of common destiny.
Onibeju-Lekki-elect, Olasunkanmi, on his part, thanked Ogunwusi for his role in uniting the Yorubas.
Olasunkanmi who said Yoruba culture cannot be quantified, described the Ooni as a blessing to the Yoruba race.
