Ooni of Ife urges Yoruba leaders to rally behind President Tinubu

-As Afenifere, Yoruba leaders pay courtesy visit

November 07, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on the pan-Yoruba elite group, Afenifere, to strengthen their support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

This appeal was made during a courtesy visit by Yoruba leaders, including General Bajowa and Afenifere leaders, to the Ooni’s palace in Ile Ife.

Oba Ogunwusi emphasized the significance of Afenifere’s backing, noting that President Tinubu represents the Yoruba face in Nigeria’s administration.

He expressed gratitude for the visit and highlighted the historical ties between the palace and Afenifere, which originated from the Action Group formed in 1951 with the support of the then-Ooni.

Oba Ogunwusi said, ” I want to thank Afenifere specially because you have not abandoned me ever since I have assumed this prominent stool of my forbears. At the time when there were teething challenges and turbulence , you did not desert me. I am very grateful to you all.

” Agbaa yin adale” ( meaning your old age will be rich in with longevity), Oba Ogunwusi prayed, stressing that he could highlight the great efforts of individuals in Afenifere who have always reached him , paid personal visit and always granted him pieces of advice that work. ” I want to thank Baba Fasoranti, the leader of Afenifere. Baba could not be here today and his direct representative on the Afenifere delegation , Prof. Senator Okurohunmu , an eminently qualified Yoruba elder is here in Baba’s stead. I appreciate you so very much.

” I must also thank Gen.Olu Bajowa for his immense love and support for me on this throne. Baba has never left me once, always reaching out to me and always praying for a peaceful reign. Well, Gen. Bajowa has hosted me at Ikale and it was a memorable experience . I am happy you are hail and hearty and I have no doubt that God has been very gracious to you,” Ooni Ogunwusi noted.

The Ooni pointed out that records in the palace demonstrate the passionate support of previous Oonis for Yoruba emancipation.

However, he noted that foundation is rooted in the Action Group, which was established with the backing of the Ooni who ruled at that time, supporting Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s vision for a unified Yoruba race.

Prof. Okunrohunmu noted that Afenifere is proud of the giant strides of Ooni Ogunwusi since he has assumed the throne and his influence on sustaining the credibility of monarchy in Yoruba land and beyond.

The group noted that it acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in revamping the economy and saluted him for establishing the South West Development Commission. Afenifere assured the Presidency of its support while maintaining that it will continue to play its role as the conscience of the nation, a role it was known for since its inception.

The visit by General Bajowa and Afenifere leaders underscores the solidarity and cooperation between Yoruba leaders and the Ooni.

Oba Ogunwusi reaffirms his commitment to fostering Yoruba unity and cooperation, ensuring the continued growth and development of the Yoruba people.