The Ooni of Ife and Co- Chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of
Nigeria(NCTRN) Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on Friday played
host to traditional rulers of Yoruba Okun origin in Kogi and Kwara states, North
Central Nigeria at the ancient Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife. Led by the Obaro of
Kabba, Oba Dele Owoniyi, the monarch paid the august visit to present the new
Elulu of Mopa, Oba (Dr.) Muyiwa Ibeun who recently ascended the throne of his
ancestors to the Arole Oduduwa. In his opening address, the Obaro of Kabba, Oba
Dele Owoniyi described Ile-Ife as the undisputed home of all Yoruba people
particularly those of Okun origin, adding that Ooni Ogunwusi has done so well in
giving all descendants of Oduduwa an enviable identity and real sense of
belonging anywhere in the world. “Kabiyesi, we have a lot of work to do for our
people with regards to where we found ourselves in modern Nigeria. There are
real issues of development deficit which I am sure we can overcome with your
might and influence. “Please be assured that our loyalty to the ancient throne
of Oduduwa is never in doubt.” The Obaro of Kabba noted. Addressing the
gathering, the Elulu of Mopa, Hrm Oba Muyiwa Ibeun thanked the Ooni for his love
and support which he said preceded his emergence as a monarch. “This is
homecoming for me and my colleagues here, we are here to thank Your Imperial
Majesty as well as commending you for dignifying the prestigious traditional
institution.” The Elulu said. In the same vein, the Elejuku of Ejuku (Kogi
State), explained that most children of Oduduwa of Okun origin are at great
disadvantage as they are often regarded as second or third Yoruba. “Kabiyesi
Ooni, we are tired of being referred to as lesser Yoruba because of our
location, those who demarcated us in those days did not consult us and that is
why they did not factor in our peculiarities. “We want you to use your
connection and position to return us home and reunite us with our kinsmen. We
are your children and we cannot afford to be regarded as lesser descendants of
Oduduwa.” The monarch noted. The stance was buttressed by the Olusin of Isin
(Kwara State), Oba Solomon Oloyede who added that the Ooni must not relent in
ensuring that all descendants of Oduduwa are in perfect condition at all times.
Responding to the visiting monarchs and their subjects, Ooni Ogunwusi who is the
Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) explained that the
most important thing is for Okun Yorubas to know and note that they are well
appreciated by their kinsmen in the western part of the country. “You are not
lesser, second or third Yorubas. You are true descendants of Oduduwa with
history of hard work and noble background which I am sure you carry with pride.
We shall work together for development, peace and tranquility of our respective
domains.” The Ooni said.
Signed:
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media And
Public Affairs,
Ooni's Palace.
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