Former President Olusegun Obasanjo paid a surprise visit to the new Ooni-elect, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in Ile – Ife on Wednesday urging him to foster a greater unity of the traditional rulers in yorubaland.
Obasanjo who noted that the mood in the ancient town of Ile Ife and beyond, depicted the picture of an Oba – elect that is tremendously accepted by the people, tasked Prince Ogunwusi on the need to build on the legacies of the past Oonis, including Aderemi, Olubusi among others.
The former President spoke with reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, on Wednesday night shortly after returning from Ile – Ife.
He said the visit is predicated on the need to see the Ooni – elect before his (Obasanjo) very tight schedule takes him outside Nigeria, and also before the 40 years old Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi goes into the traditional (Ipebi) rites.
“My coming today is coming on the heels of my tight programme. By 6.00am tomorrow (today), I will be in Morocco and by that time, the new Ooni would have gone into Ipebi.
“Since he has been accepted by the Obalufe and the Sooko, I thought it is important to pay homage before going to Ipebi and that is exactly what I have done today.”
“It is obvious from the jubilation in Ife that he is a popular choice. My advice for him is to build on the edifice of the past Ooni, including Aderemi and Olubusi.
“I saw him as a young man, who has been very enthusiastic about contributing to growth of his people, so I am equally expecting him to show greater enthusiasm for the development of his domain.
“He should ensure that he brings unity among the traditional rulers in Yorubaland and I want to wish him successes in this journey,” Obasanjo said.
