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Tag: Ooni

  • Fulani herdsmen: Ooni warns Sunday Igboho after visit to Buhari in Aso Villa

    Fulani herdsmen: Ooni warns Sunday Igboho after visit to Buhari in Aso Villa

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has advised Sunday Adeyemo, well known as Sunday Igboho, not to take laws into his hands but allow constituted authorities to handle the herdsmen menace.

    The monarch also warned Sunday Igboho to watch out for politicians seeking to hijack his agitations against killer herdsmen in the region.

    This is coming after the first class monarch met with President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed doors in the Villa on Tuesday.

    The prominent Yoruba monarch visited Aso Rock, amid heated ethnic tension in Ondo and some parts in Oyo state, generated by the recent locals-Fulani herders’ confrontation.

    Speaking with the press after the meeting, According to Ooni of Ife, the purpose of his visit is connected with the simmering ethnic tension in some parts of the South West region.

    He said it’s part of the duties of traditional rulers that everything is right, all and sundry of the country are in good shape.

    “The take-home here is that Mr. President has assured it’s not going to be a political thing. We all know the problem all over the country because we have a lot of bad eggs that have mixed across the entire country, and we are having that situation again in the South West.

    “So I am here as the co-chairman of the national council of traditional rulers to get the assurance of Mr. President that either of the party won’t turn to a political party fun fair in order not to risk the lives of our people, not only in the south-west but the entire country.

    “I am happy he has told me that I should assure other traditional rulers to work with them now so that we can separate the good, the bad, and the ugly,” he added.

    However, in another interview with Arise TV, the traditional ruler praised Igboho for taking on the campaign against herdsmen but advised him to allow constituted authorities to handle the menace.

    The Ooni said Igboho has done very well, but he should back down so that government can take over the battles to avoid politicians hijacking the movement.

    The monarch said: “Let us be very objective. He (Igboho) is being a mouthpiece for the downtrodden. He came up and everybody is listening now but my advice to him as a traditional ruler is that he needs to be very careful so that the politicians won’t hijack the whole motive from him.

    “He has done well and we’ve already praised him but he shouldn’t take laws into his hands. We have the governor there, he is the chief security officer of the state and Mr President has invited him (Makinde). Let the right people that are being authorised to do what is right do it.

    “He (Igboho) has done well and the world has heard him but everything should be done in moderation.”

    He added: “We know that the bandits are everywhere. He shouldn’t take laws into his hands. We have laws in this country, and we should follow it. Let the right people chosen either our leader, let them follow what they are supposed to do.

    He has done well, and we should leave it like that,” he said.

    Speaking on the role of traditional rulers and other Yoruba leaders such as Aare Ona Kakanfo;

    “Well, we cannot compare then and now, in the holding day, Yoruba have a dynasty, we have structure and by virtue of that, that is the structure that gave birth to Aare Ona Kakanfo.

  • Tension in Yorubaland: Ooni of Ife meets Buhari in Aso Rock( Photos)

    Tension in Yorubaland: Ooni of Ife meets Buhari in Aso Rock( Photos)

    First-class traditional ruler, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Tuesday met with President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed doors in the Villa.

    The prominent Yoruba monarch visited Aso Rock, amid heated ethnic tension in Ondo and some parts in Oyo state, generated by the recent locals-Fulani herders’ confrontation.

    The details of the meeting or official release on the purpose of the traditional ruler’s visit is not known as at press time.

    However, the visit may be connected with the simmering ethnic tension in some parts of the Southwest region.

  • COVID-19: Ooni warns Nigerians on second wave

    COVID-19: Ooni warns Nigerians on second wave

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has alerted Nigerians on the second wave of COVID-19, adding it is deadlier than the first.

    The Ooni, who is the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), issued the alert in his Christmas/New Year message.

    “The pandemic is very much around. It is erroneous to think that the rampaging virus has gone after the first wave.

    “The wave of coronavirus we are dealing with now is deadlier than what we had in the first two quarters of the concluding year 2020, so I want to appeal to our people that it is not yet over.

    “We must not lose our guards as we can hear in the news that more people are now testing positive to the virus.

    “Imagine the strange strain of the disease in some parts of the world, making some people blind while others are losing vital organs which is absolutely new. While it is heartwarming that we now have vaccines coming up, the best way to cure this virus is not to get it at all.”

    “Let us continue to wear our face masks, avoid crowds and continue to wash our hands with soap and clean water. We must take responsibility as our personal safety has a lot to do with the health of the entire country,” he said.

    On the need for unity in the country and peaceful coexistence among the citizens, Ooni urged Nigerians to always focus on issues that strengthen togetherness rather than issues causing disharmony.

    He congratulated members of the Christian family globally on the 2020 Christmas celebration.

    “The history of Jesus Christ is full of testimonies inspiring enough to find him worthy of emulation”, he said, describing Jesus Christ as a complete representation of a tolerant and peaceful leader worthy of emulation.

    He also called on the Federal Government to aggressively pursue youth emancipation programmes.

    The Oba also called for the unveiling of recovery plans and policies capable of alleviating the suffering inflicted on the citizens by the prevailing economic crisis in the country.

  • What Buhari told Sultan, Ooni other traditional rulers during Aso Rock meeting

    What Buhari told Sultan, Ooni other traditional rulers during Aso Rock meeting

    President Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded with traditional rulers to support his administration’s determination to address the demands of youths in the country.

    At a meeting in the State House with a delegation of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the President told the royal fathers that “we have heard the loud cries of our youth and children, and we are attending to their concerns.”

    He, however, stressed that “To succeed in all of this, we would require your support and voice to help amplify the message. Your proximity to the people places you in a unique position to communicate and ensure that our response is targeted and impactful.”

    Describing their “role as guardians of our traditional values and culture” as most critical, the President urged them not to compromise their neutrality “because this is what significantly confers on you, your moral authority and legitimacy.”

    According to President Buhari, his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, would lead senior government officials to various parts of the country “and directly engage with you as part of this process. He will be reporting back to me on your various perspectives.

    “I want to once again thank you for the role you all have played to calm down our youth with wisdom and authority. By instilling hope and keeping the peace, you have rendered the country great service.”

    While warning that “we cannot allow anybody or group to threaten the peace or sabotage these efforts,” the President restated that “strong, transparent efforts are underway to address those rogue elements of the Nigerian Police Force. Simultaneously, the Nigerian Police Force will also undergo much needed reform that covers welfare, working conditions, and code of conduct. That will usher in a more professional workforce.”

    Recognizing the primary and important role of the monarchs in helping maintain peace and security in the country, the President expressed delight at their visit “given all that has happened recently in our country.”

    While receiving the recommendations of the traditional rulers, he promised to study them and take appropriate action.

    President Buhari had earlier drawn the attention of the eminent delegation to the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic on the world.

    “We find ourselves in very turbulent times, with a global health pandemic that has been incredibly challenging. Economies have been crippled as the response to the pandemic has forced businesses to shut down or devise new means of transacting. For a country like ours, with a large informal economy, our citizens have been particularly hit.”

    He noted, however, that his administration has “designed various schemes and taken many measures to soften the impact, despite our own revenue struggles as government,” while recognizing that “more needs to be done to cater to our fellow citizens, not just those in the urban areas but also those in rural areas.”

    According to President Buhari, “I am also fully aware that our strong farming belts have been impacted by floods. While we have seen record levels of farm outputs and increased level of fertilizer utilization, government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and its agencies is working on how to help bring these farmers some relief.”

    Admitting the enormity of these challenges and “our growing youth population,” the President declared:

    “There is no hiding place regarding how we should address insecurity concerns, youth unemployment, job creation, boosting industrialization and preparing for a transition into a digital economy.”

    Remarks were made by the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, while two foremost traditional rulers representing each geo-political zone also attended the meeting.

  • Photo/Video: Nigerians roast Tinubu for not standing to greet Ooni at public function

    Photo/Video: Nigerians roast Tinubu for not standing to greet Ooni at public function

    The Nigerian social media space on Thursday exploded with reactions trailing a viral video of a former governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Bola Tinubu sitting to greet the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi at the Oniru’s coronation in Lagos.

    It is believed that men and women irrespective of class must rise to greet the Ooni (being one of the most powerful monarchs in the South West). It is also compulsory that visiting subjects must prostrate to greet the Ooni in his palace.

    However, in the picture and video which has now gone viral, Tinubu was seen sitting down exchanging pleasantries with the Ooni.

    Reacting, Femi Fani-Kayode said it is ”deeply insulting” for a Yoruba political leader not to rise to greet a Yoruba traditional ruler.

    He wrote on his twitter; ”that the Asiwaju of Bourdillon refused to stand up to greet the Ooni of Ife speaks volumes. This was not only deeply insulting to every Ife & indeed son & daughter of Odua but it is also a crying shame.

    ” Would a northern pol. (political) leader refuse to stand up for his traditional ruler? he asked.

    https://twitter.com/TheReal_Hafeez/status/1303960278082691072?s=20

    https://twitter.com/onyiforlife/status/1303964796048596992?s=20

  • BREAKING: Fire guts Ooni’s palace

    BREAKING: Fire guts Ooni’s palace

    A building inside the Ile Oodua’s Palace of Ooni of Ife was on Wednesday gutted by fire, causing panic in the ancient city.

    The spokesperson to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Comrade Moses Olafare has said that the reported fire outbreak at the palace of the front line monarch on Wednesday was a ‘minor’ one.

    Olafare in a statement said contrary to widespread reports especially on the social media, the incident which affected a tiny part of one of the administrative buildings left no harm to the oldest palace in Yoruba land.

    He stated that collective efforts from men of the state fire service including those in the palace put off the fire in no distant time.

    Olafare said “The Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, wishes to inform the entire public that a minor fire outbreak involving a tiny part of one of the administrative buildings within the premises of the palace occurred at about 1:15pm today, Wednesday 19th, August 2020, leaving no harm to the oldest palace in Yoruba land.

    “The minor inferno which lasted for about 20 minutes was immediately put out by collective efforts of people in the palace led by the Ooni’s Chief Security, Kolawole Emmanuel, later joined by men of the fire services from the state government, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife..

    “Aside from the fact that there was no causality whatsoever, the fire was just a minor occurrence which was nothing to be compared to the misleading huge pictures being painted in the media, particularly the social media.

    “While it is suspected to have emanated from an electric spark, measures are currently in place to reveal the cause of the inferno.

    “We wish to thank men of the Osun State Fire service, Obafemi Awolowo University Fire Service and OAUTH Fire Service for their swift response, while efforts of well meaning Nigerians who reached out to the Palace for objective analysis are equally appreciated.

    “Once again, the ancient Palace of Ife remains as rich as before in culture, traditions and tourism.”

  • Replace BBNaija with “The Big Nigeria Reality Show”, Ooni urges FG

    Replace BBNaija with “The Big Nigeria Reality Show”, Ooni urges FG

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Wednesday celebrated the International Youth Day with some Nigerian youths in his palace at Ile Ife, Osun.

    Ooni Ogunwusi, who played host to scores of Nigerian youths from all parts of the country under the aegis of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Ile-Ife, suggested a replacement for Big Brother Naija

    Among other things, the Ooni criticised the prominent Big Brother Naija reality show, which he said has been misrepresenting the goodness and integrity of the Nigerian youths.

    The monarch described the youths as the country’s untapped immeasurable wealth and resources.

    The royal father, who stressed the need for participation of more youths in leadership, lamented that the youths have misplaced their priorities and must redress it as a matter of urgent public importance.

    “Nigerian youths are found of accusing and abusing our leaders, stop abusing them contribute your own quota. Let’s wear our thinking caps and begin to act like the real future leaders that we are.

    “In the last general election, the total number of vote cast was around 27 million while over 170 million people voted during the 2019 Big Brother Naija reality show.

    “This is a practical reality of who Nigerian youths are and where our priorities lie as Nigerians.

    “The funny side in all of these is that we still go to bed, have a good sleep and wake up with the hope to meet a Nigeria we didn’t create. Nigerians Youths! Nigerians Youths!! Nigerians Youths!!!

    “Unfortunately, every time I talk about this kind of attitude, everyone just laugh and move on. What kind of nation are we building?

    “When people say this country, or what kind of country is this, they are indirectly saying these people – it is the people that make a country; so what kind of Nigerian youths are we?” Ooni asked.

    Speaking further, the monarch offered a suggestion for a reality show, which will project the country’s values, cultures and traditions.

    He urged leaders of the National Youth Council of Nigeria to work out plans on the show, which will be called, “The Big Nigeria Reality Show”.

    “The proposed show will be structured in a way that young professionals, talented individuals and others across several field of endeavour will be showcased and helped to reach their peak.

    “This would help the participants and also help viewers to have access to people that can be seen as role models,” Ooni added.

    Earlier in his address, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, who was represented by Dr. Mariam Abdullahi, a Director in the Ministry, explained that the youths have major roles to play in the country’s development.

    According to him, the digital literacy and skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, employability and leadership initiative of the Ministry are ongoing and all geared towards the development of our youths.

    “As government, we will keep ensuring that we equip our youths towards prosperity,” the minister assured.

    Representing Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun at the event, the state’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Yemi Lawal, explained that the youths have a lot to learn from the elders towards reaching their goals.

    “As much as we youths are important, let us be humble enough to learn from our elders because they were once like us. Humility, persistence and patience is the key and we must be upright in our dealings,” he said.

    In his address, the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr. Sara-Igbe Sukubo, thanked the Ooni for what he described as an unthinkable warm reception for the youths.

    “Your Imperial Youthfulness as you told us to address you, we are indeed happy and proud to have you as a father and mentor.

    “We have heard your kind words of wisdom and I want to assure you on behalf of the teeming Nigerian youths that we will put them into action.

    “Fellow Nigerian youths, as we reflect on youth engagement for global action today, let us realize that a new era of opportunities and responsibilities is now upon us.

    “Today’s youths are now being called upon to rise as practical stakeholders in governance and development. Let us rise to this challenge,” Sukubo said.

    Meanwhile, the youths at the occasion announced Ooni Ogunwusi as the ”Royal Father of Nigerian Youths”, in recognition and appreciation of his immeasurable commitment towards youth development in the country.

    Similarly, the founder of Elizabeth Jack-Rch Aid Foundation, who is equally the matron of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mrs. Elizabeth Jack-Rich was given an award for her role and stance as a mentor to the Nigerian youths.

    Mrs. Jack-Rich had earlier expressed the readiness of her foundation to sponsor the reality show proposed by the Ooni.

    She admonished youths to ignore all forms of distraction and negative peer pressure on their way to success.

  • Ooni to name his prince after 49th Ooni of Ife

    Ooni to name his prince after 49th Ooni of Ife

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has promised to name his prince after the late Sir Adesoji Aderemi, the 49th Ooni of Ife, as a mark of appreciation to Aderemi for his good works.

    Ooni Ogunwusi made the promise on Friday in his Palace at Ile-Ife.

    Ogunwusi was speaking at the 40th remembrance anniversary of the late Ooni organised by his princes, princesses and grandchildren in memory of the late Ooni who reigned from 1930 to 1980.

    The monarch described his predecessor as a great icon who would be remembered for his immeasurable contributions to the independence, stabilisation and growth of Nigeria.

    “I wish to implore our politicians across the country to look deep into the life, times and accomplishments of Sir Aderemi and learn great lessons of servant leadership.

    “He was selflessly committed to the development of the country.

    “Among several tangible virtues to be emulated from the good life of Sir Aderemi is the good name he left behind which still speaks volumes till date.

    “Houses, cars and other material gains of life will surely fade away, while one’s name remains in the book of history forever.

    “Today, the ancient city of Ile-Ife and indeed the entire human race is proud to have had Sir Adesoji Aderemi whom we shall continue to celebrate.

    “Plans are underway to immortalise him and I have discussed it with members of the family.” Ooni Adeyeye said.

    Speaking on behalf of the family members, Prince Owoade Aderemi, thanked Ooni Ogunwusi for the warm reception and acknowledgement of their father’s giant strides during his lifetime.

    “I am sure that our father would be so happy in the world beyond to realise how great and united his family is after four decades.

    “As princes and princesses, we have done a lot to develop Ile-Ife and I wish to state that we shall continue to be active in the growth of our beloved city,” Owoade said.

    Mr Segun Omoworare, who spoke on behalf of the late Aderemi’s grandchildren, described the late monarch as an epitome of traditional and political leadership.

    “While on the respected throne of Oduduwa, Baba served Nigeria in several political capacities including being among the first set of the country’s Ministers and Governor of the then Western region.

    “He was among the nationalists, who fought a great fight for the nation’s independence and we are so proud to be his descendants.” Omoworare said.

    Earlier, Ogunwusi had led members of the Aderemi family to lay wreath on the tomb of his predecessor as a mark of respect.

    Ogunwusi later led dignitaries to inspect the White House built by Sir Aderemi in 1937 which he (Ooni Ogunwusi) has modified.

  • COVID-19: Ooni shuts palace; suspends cultural, social events

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has shut his palace to curb spread of Coronavirus.

    Ooni, in a statement yesterday by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, said: “The palace is shut and all social and cultural activities have been suspended, only visitors with essential mission will be allowed in.

    “The easiest solution is for everyone to stay at home. COVID-19 is not a respecter of anybody, and does not honour anybody. This is the first time in a long while that the world is having a common problem, we must tackle it together.”

    The Ooni advised people to engage in frequent hand washing and to cover their mouth while coughing and sneezing.

    He added: “We must look beyond the negativities and look at the lessons embedded in this challenging time. Coronavirus teaches high personal hygiene; let us be clean and embrace regular handwashing with clean water and soap.

    “I implore Nigerians to restrict their movements only to core places to prevent spread of the deadly virus. Let us abide by these simple rules and principles for our good. The government and its officials are not trying to usurp our freedom, but working hard to protect us.”

  • Why I prefer female president for Nigeria – Ooni

    Why I prefer female president for Nigeria – Ooni

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has said that women can rise to be president of Nigeria because they have the strengths and potential of good leadership.

    The Ooni spoke at the opening session of the second edition of “Queen Moremi, the Musical, Reloaded” late on Tuesday at the Lagos Continental Hotels.

    According to him, we should try to uplift the position of women because they have a lot to offer the society.

    He noted that there were lots of God-given talents in women, which were demonstrated through the heroic deeds of Queen Moremi Ajasoro (QMA) many years ago.

    “We’ll keep telling the story of Queen Moremi Ajasoro to bring out the strengths, talents and powers of women and what they can offer to our society to make a difference.

    ” Our prayer is that someday, we will have a female president, probably, they may even do better.

    “We had only struggled to have a female speaker but she could not scale through to the end so we need to support them to excel in future,” he said.

    The Ojaja II also called on both government and private organisations to continue to support the cause of the girl-child to give them a sense of pride in the society.

    “We’ll keep telling the story of Queen Moremi Ajasoro to focus on how the society can uplift the girl-child to have a sense of pride and occupy a place in the progress of the country in future,” he said.

    The monarch also commended Olufunso Amosun, wife of the former Ogun State Governor, who he called “Queen Moremi of our time” for her support in promoting the female cause.

    Also, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, the cultural ambassador to QMA, told The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the cultural show would last eight days from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2,2020.

    Over 900 people graced the first day of the show. Apart from Olufunsho Amosun, there were also Princess Toyin Kolade, Nike Adedutan, wife of the FIrst Bank CEO and Mr Tonye Cole; the Chairman, Andron Homes.

    Others were: the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao and his wife, Mrs Bola Shagaya and Princess Kemi Adewumi .

    According to myth, Queen Moremi Ajasoro demonstrated great courage and selflessness in the sacrifice she made to liberate the people of Ile Ife during her life time.