By Ademola Adekusibe
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has celebrated his 52nd birthday with a renewed call for peace, national unity and progress, urging Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political differences.
In a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Yoruba cultural heritage, strengthening national unity and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
The Ooni urged citizens across the country to embrace peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and collective responsibility, describing these values as essential to national development.
He emphasised the need to build a country where peace, justice, economic prosperity and equal opportunities remain priorities, regardless of differences in identity or political affiliation.
According to the monarch, his birthday provided an opportunity to reflect on purposeful leadership, service to humanity and the preservation of cultural values.
“Peace and unity remain central to my responsibilities as the Ooni of Ife. I will continue to use my position and influence to strengthen relationships among communities, promote peaceful coexistence and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes Nigeria unique,” he said.
The monarch maintained that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division, calling on citizens to pursue a shared vision of a united and prosperous nation.
“I believe that our diversity should be a source of strength rather than division. I therefore urge Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political differences, to embrace mutual understanding, respect and cooperation in the collective pursuit of a united and prosperous nation,” he added.
Ooni Reaffirms Commitment to Yoruba Cultural Heritage
Oba Ogunwusi also reiterated his commitment to preserving Yoruba culture and traditions while promoting the historical significance of Ile-Ife as the ancestral home of the Yoruba people.
He said he would continue supporting initiatives that protect cultural heritage, strengthen cultural diplomacy and promote understanding among communities across Nigeria, Africa and the international community.
“Throughout my reign, I have remained committed to promoting Yoruba culture and traditions while projecting the historical significance of Ile-Ife as the ancestral home. I will continue to support initiatives that preserve our heritage, strengthen cultural diplomacy and promote understanding among people across Nigeria, Africa and the global community,” the monarch said.
Since ascending the throne, the Ooni noted that he had supported initiatives focused on cultural preservation, youth development, entrepreneurship, community development and humanitarian service.
He stressed that traditional institutions had an important role to play in promoting peace, inspiring development and complementing the efforts of governments and other stakeholders to improve the lives of citizens.
Monarch Calls for Stronger Traditional Institutions
The Ooni, who serves as Permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, said he remained committed to promoting dialogue, strengthening traditional institutions and encouraging cooperation among leaders.
“In my capacity as the Permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, I remain committed to promoting dialogue, strengthening traditional institutions and encouraging collaboration among leaders for the benefit of our communities and the country at large,” he said.
He noted that effective collaboration among traditional rulers, government institutions and other stakeholders was necessary to address community concerns and support sustainable development.
Ooni Highlights Global Yoruba Connections
Beyond Nigeria, the monarch highlighted the importance of engaging with traditional rulers across Africa and members of the Yoruba diaspora to strengthen cultural connections and promote shared heritage.
He said such engagements could create opportunities for meaningful partnerships that would benefit present and future generations.
The Ooni’s birthday message therefore combined a call for national unity with a renewed commitment to cultural preservation, community development and international engagement.
As Nigerians continue to confront economic and social challenges, the monarch urged citizens to embrace mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility in building a more united and prosperous country.