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Tag: Adeyeye Ogunwusi

  • Ooni lauds appointment of Owoade as Alaafin-elect

    Ooni lauds appointment of Owoade as Alaafin-elect

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has lauded the appointment of Alaafin-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade.

    He also congratulated the Alaafin-elect on his appointment as the new custodian of the timeless heritage of Oyo town.

    The foregoing were contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Otunba Moses Olafare, the Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    Oba Ogunwusi lauded Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, for providing the enabling environment and supporting the smooth transition that has now birthed a new king for Oyo.

    Ogunwusi also applauded kingmakers, the royal families and the people of Oyo for the patience and maturity displayed throughout the sacred process which lasted over two years.

    According to him, the decision heralds a new era of prosperity, unity and cultural preservation for the people of Oyo.

    “Historically, Oyo and Ile-Ife share an unbreakable bond rooted in divine origin and cultural preservation.

    “Oyo remains a very important crown jewel in Yorubaland.

    “This interconnected lineage emphasises the significance of the Alaafin’s throne, which remains a vital pillar in the structure of Yoruba traditional governance and heritage.

    “The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade signifies the continuation of this sacred bond and the unwavering strength of the Yoruba cultural legacy,” he said.

    Ogunwusi added: “We are confident that the Alaafin-elect will build upon the enduring legacy of his predecessors, particularly the immediate past Alaafin, Late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

    “Now that you have emerged victorious, you have become father of all, who must rally all other contestants for the growth of Oyo town, because you cannot do it alone.

    “You must bring everyone on board; Oyomesi must remain united under your watch either those who supported you or those who didn’t support you, you must be magnanimous in victory.

    “Please be ready to toe the path of peace with all the kingmakers without favouritism and partiality so that you can serve your people as a beacon of hope, justice, and development.”

    Read Also: Ooni, Olubadan attend Installation of Ibadan philanthropist, Adeshina, wife in Ogun

    Ogunwusi noted that Owoade’s ascension was a testament to the resilience of traditions and the shared aspiration for progress across the Yoruba race.

    He called on the sons and daughters of Oyo, from nooks and crannies, to rally around the new Alaafin and work together to uphold the glory of Oyo town.

    “It is through collective support and collaboration that Oyo will continue to thrive and maintain its place as a cornerstone of Yoruba greatness.

    “We reiterate our commitment to fostering unity among Yoruba traditional rulers, preserving shared cultural identity and ensuring prosperity of all Yoruba people,” he said.  

  • APC urges Fed Govt to nationalise South African firms

    THE National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) urged the Federal Government to nationalise all South African companies in the country.

    APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, who briefed reporters after the meeting of the NWC, said the South African government was nonchalant.

    He said: “We have discussed the attacks on foreigners in South Africa, particularly blacks who are predominantly Nigerians. Having listened to all the explanations from the authority in South Africa, we have come to the conclusion that these people are not being accused of being illegal immigrants nor are they involved in any illegal activities.

    “Those who have business permits to set up businesses, whatever business theyare involved in, they are operating within the letters of the law. Over the last one year, virtually every week, Nigerians are being wasted in one part of south Africa or the other.

    “We know that the government has had conversation with the South African authority, drawing their attention to these and other abuses that Nigerians have been subjected to. But the escalation of the attack on foreigners which include Nigerians has reached a level that is no longer tolerable.

    “At one time, people wonder whether these attacks have the backing of the south African government. What has been clear over the period is that the South African authority has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to bring these attacks to an end.

    “Inspite of the fact that the lives of many people have been wasted, not one South African is known to have been convicted ad sentence to prison for their role on the attack on foreigners, killing them and looting their businesses.

    “We have been able to watch some of the comments on the recent attack, particularly the one that was made by a deputy Minister of Police Affair that not only endorse the killing and looting of foreign businesses, but refer to the activities of those foreigners who are into legitimate businesses as tantamount to economic sabotage.”

    He added:  “As we speak, while South African government is envious of the small businesses which Nigerians are involved in south Africa, South African companies are making billions of dollars from Nigeria and repatriating same out of Nigeria.

    “For example, MTN is making huge profit, including sometimes breaching our national laws. South Africans cannot be envious of small businesses over there while their business giants are smiling to their foreign banks where they keep profit that the repatriate from Nigeria.

    “We are aware that not too long ago, MTN was enlisted in the stock exchange and some Nigerians have bought shares from MTN. I think that in moments like this and too send strong message to the south African authority and their people, it is worth it for the Nigerian government to take over the remaining shares of MTN that are owned by south African so that MTN become fully Nigerian own.

    “While government think of how to deal with this, I think that in our individual capacities, this is the moment to show our commitment to our fellow citizens and show sympathy to those who have lost loved ones by boycotting South African goods and services, beginning with Nigerians refusing to use MTN services.

    “Happily, we have indigenous networks like Glo, ntel and 9 mobile. But if Nigerians decides, at least for the next 30 days as a first step, to stop using MTN, they would have sent a clear message and pay befitting tribute to the life of those whose live have been wasted in South Africa. This will be more elegant rather than our people going to the streets and throwing stones against fellow Nigerians and a life being lost in the process.

    “This should also give us opportunity to reflect n why we should continue to allow DSTV to continue to repatriate millions of dollars to South Africa every year arising from their activities in Nigeria.”

    The Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Most Reverend Martin Uzuokwu, on Thursday urged South Africans to stop the attacking foreigners, especially Nigerians, as the act could endanger peace on the continent.

    Oba Ogunwusi described the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa on Nigerians living there and their properties as a shameful act that is unacceptable to the black race in Africa and in the Diaspora.

    The traditional ruler also advised Nigerians alleged to have embarked on reprisal attacks on South African companies in Nigeria to stop it and allow peace to reign.

    The monarch spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    “This attack is a shame on the black people, we all need to come together and see ourselves as one. The more we propagate our cultural ties across the continent, the more we will see and recognise that we belong to one big family,” he said.

    The traditional ruler said  that African countries only had artificial boundaries that had given a geographical expression of names to countries  inhabited by  of a group of people but all of us are of the same lineage.

    “We must erase the ongoing xenophobic killings in Africa, we only have artificial boundaries. We are all the same whether Nigeria or South Africa.

    “Also, we must not forget so soon that Nigeria helped South Africa to fight the Apartheid regime that led her to becoming a democratic country in 1994.

    “That development led to the late Nelson Mandela emerging as the first democratically elected president of South Africa,” he told NAN.

    He said that it was unfortunate that  the people involved in the xenophobic attacks either in South Africa or in Nigeria  were only being misled by those who never knew the history of Africa and had no stake to lose.

    “What is the percentage of those people’s business in the economy of South Africa? It’s very minute.

    Uzuokwu, who spoke with NAN in Minna also urged the South Africans to show forgiveness, love and peace for the overall growth on the continent.

    “We are all from the same continent, we need to love one another and also learn how to forgive for peace, progress and political stability in our continent.

    ” We cannot get to anywhere without forgiveness. If you do not forgive others, the Lord will not forgive you.

    “Many prayers offered by some people today were not answered because they did not follow what the Lord says,” Uzuokwu said.

    The Cleric condemned the senseless killings of innocent souls going on in some parts of South Africa.

    He said: “Africa is a blessed continent, God blessed us with human and many mineral resources but what needs to be done is to love one another to enable us to tap the abundant resources at our disposal.”

    He also called on the African Union (AU) to act against the inhuman treatment by South African xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other nationals.

  • Drones, CCTVs to fight insecurity in Southwest

    STATES have won their battle for more muscle to tackle insecurity.

    They are to be licensed to use drones for monitoring forests and other hideouts of criminals in their domains.

    President Muhammadu Buhari broke the news on Wednesday to Southwest monarchs who were at the State House in Abuja for talks on how to restore security in their region.

    He assured the traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, that his administration was doing everything possible to tackle security challenges.

    With the Ooni were: the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunmade, the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Saliyu Momoh and the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju.

    There were also the Alake of Egba, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Adewale, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Iyiola Matanmi and the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba  Adewale Shotobi

    The President said the Federal Government would continue to partner with states in kitting the police.

    Buhari said: “Working with the state governments, we intend to beef up the equipping of the police force with advanced technology and equipment that can facilitate the work of the security agencies.”

    The President disclosed that he would be issuing directives to the appropriate federal authorities to speedily approve licensing for state governments requesting the use of drones to monitor forests and other criminal hideouts.

    “We also intend to install CCTVs (Close Circuit Televisions) on highways and other strategic locations so that activities in some of those hidden places can be exposed, more effectively monitored and open to actionable review,” he said.

    According to the President, the Federal Government will continue to do everything necessary to protect the lives of all Nigerians and ensure that every Nigerian in every state is safe, and that all citizens can live in peace and harmony, regardless of ethnicity, religion or region.

    He said: “As a government, we remain committed to the ideals of our democracy, particularly entrenching the rule of law and the sanctity of life.

    “We will enforce the law, prosecute law breakers and secure an atmosphere of tranquility for all Nigerians wherever they choose to live and also protect our communities from all forms of crimes.

    “This is both in our interests as an administration and the interests of the people who voted us into office. We need security to deliver on our many programmes to the people. There can be no prosperity if there is no security.

    Read Also: How to rescue Southwest from criminals, by Omatseye

    “This is not only a message of hope but a call to action to all of us as we seek ways to secure our country.

    “On our part, as the Federal Government, we are ready to deal decisively with anyone that is fomenting this spate of criminal activities by every means necessary.

    “We intend to deal severely with those evil Nigerians inciting violence for political ends.”

    Speaking after the meeting with the President, Oba Ogunwusi confirmed that drones and CCTVs would soon be deployed in the Southwest to boost security.

    The royal father told reporters that the President has agreed to fast-track the monitoring of the forests in the region with the use of modern technology.

    He also said CCTVs would be mounted on the highways in the region.

    Oba Ogunwusi said: “Another milestone we achieved is that Mr. President will fast-track very rapid monitoring of our forests by using the technology of modern standard, the drones. The various security agencies will rally round the Inspector-General (IG) and see how it can be properly deployed.

    “Another thing is that they will install CCTV along our highways. The IGP said they are very aggressive about clearing our highways now.

    “We believe that with all these, there will be a reduction in the tension in the Southwest because the Southwest is very sensitive in Nigeria.

    “We don’t pray for crisis or war or uprising because it will snowball into a lot of things; that is why we are all represented from the six states that make up Southwesten Nigeria.

    “We thank God that Mr.  President is listening and so far so good, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”

    When asked if the monitoring of the CCTV was factored into the discussion, he said: “Absolutely. This time around, it is a fruitful interactive session. It is not the normal let’s talk the talk; we are talking the work and we are going to walk the talk.

    “Because we as traditional rulers we know our people, we know the good, the bad and ugly, and that is why the government is taking it to another level by involving us directly on how to implement their initiatives.”

    Police chief Mohammed Adamu and other key security heads were at the closed doors meeting with the President.

    According to the Ooni, policemen and officers will be recruited among indigenes and residents of the various communities in the region.

    According to him, there will be restructuring of the country’s security architecture.

    Oba Ogunwusi said: “Today, the Inspector General of Police was present and the entire security architecture will be restructured; we are very happy about that.

    “We were also told about community policing, so the policemen will be recruited from the community, those that were born there, brought up there and they won’t be able to move them around.

    “So, we can use that strategy to avert a lot of tension going around the Southwest in particular now. We were able to achieve that milestone.”

    He, however, warned that it will be wrong to allow politicians hijack the community policing.

    The Oba said: “If they want to start community policing and they give it to politicians, it is not going to work per say; that is why they are involving us. Because, we know the people that are born within our community; we know how to recommend them for this kind of employment; we know the good ones that will be willing to serve their community.

    “So, by virtue of doing that, we will have crime reduction in our communities because every community has its own peculiarity.

    “So, what government is doing now is a different ball game entirely in Nigeria, it’s never been done before. So we should all work, cooperate with the government and see how they will implement them.

    “Because the problem has been if you take police officers to the North, within six months they will shift them to another place in the South. They are not domiciled there and so any time they get there, they depend on the vigilantes, community heads, the Mogagis, the Baales, and all the districts heads, so why can’t you give the jobs to the families of the Mogagis, the Baales, and all the districts heads?

    “So, it is a different rejigging and I can assure you the government is very serious now.”

    Oba Ogunwusi stressed that any identified bad Fulani must leave the Southwest. He was apparently referring to the call by some groups that Fulani should leave the Southwest. The Ooni attributed the call to the growing tension in the region.

    He said: “Well, it’s because of the tension but this time around the traditional rulers have arrived at a resolution to ensure that will not happen. It is the bad ones that should be focused on.

    “We all live in Nigeria; it is the bad ones that have come in from different borders that are porous, those are the ones we will focus on to separate the corn from wheat.

    “We are saying it is the bad ones that should leave, the bad ones can never stay. Even, Mr. President is with us on that. Even the Fulani clan does not want the bad ones to spoil their name. So, many people are hiding under Fulani to do evil now, so the bad ones must go.”

  • Osinbajo, Ooni meet in Aso Rock Villa

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday met behind closed doors with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

    The meeting lasted about 45 minutes at the Vice President’s office in the State House.

    He didn’t speak to journalists at the end of the meeting.

    The Ooni had paid a similar visit to President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday.

    Read Also: Yorubas don’t want war – Ooni

    At the end of the meeting with President Buhari on Thursday, he declared that he was in the Villa over rising insecurity in the South West region of the country.

    He said Yoruba didn’t want war and  there was need for more federal might in the area in order to flush out trouble makers and sustain peace.

     

  • 2019: Ooni warns politicians against violence

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has warned politicians against all forms of violence in the forthcoming general elections.

    Oba Ogunwusi gave the warning at the Grand-finale of New Year Prayer Service organised by Christian Association of Nigeria, Ile- Ife Chapter, at Afenworo Park, Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife, on Saturday.

    According to Ooni, there is no gain in the shedding of blood, trouble and violence and anyone that died cannot come back to be useful to the society again.

    He charged all and sundry to maintain peace and orderliness in the forthcoming elections, saying it is only God that enthrones and put his choice on the throne.

    The Royal Father admonished politicians to give peace a chance and allow peaceful coexistence in all ramifications; if truly they want to serve humanity. He advised politicians to desist from do-or-die affairs.

    Read Also: Ooni, Falana, others for anti-corruption confab

    The traditional ruler urged youths to work for their future and run away from politicians who want to misuse them for political violence and selfish interest.

    Ooni, however, acknowledged God for His mercy that endures forever over all and sundry.

    While congratulating the Christians, he said that their being alive is neither by their power nor by their might, but by the grace of God.

    Ooni encouraged Christians to ensure that they are devoted to God by serving Him wholeheartedly and in holiness this year.

    He called on Christians to love each other and surrender everything to God, for He alone can do all things.

    NAN

  • Ooni, Falana, others for anti-corruption confab

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, will on Thursday lead other eminent Nigerians to a two-day conference on anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria.

    The parley which ends on Friday will also feature the launch of a book titled “To the Rescue: Say No To Corruption” written by a Canada-based Nigerian and Convener of International Gathering of Eagles Conference, Dr. Dele Dada.

    Other distinguished Nigerians expected at the event include the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun,  Special Adviser to the President on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina and Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

    The Managing Director of THE SUN Newspapers, Mr. Eric Osagie, will deliver a key note address at the conference scheduled to hold at Treasure Hall 11 in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.

    Speaking with reporters in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, Dada revealed that Ooni is expected to be the chief launcher/father of the day while Falana will serve as the book reviewer.

    Dada added that the Say No To Corruption Movement in Nigeria (SCMN) will also be launched at the event to serve as platform for every Nigeria to raise their voices and actions against corruption in the country.

     

  • Ooni sponsors 270 Secondary Schools Students across Southwest

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has awarded scholarships to over 270 secondary schools students across Southwest in the last two years.

    This was disclosed by Adeyanju Olaoluwa, the Coordinator of the scholarship and the Southwest Educational Competition Save Education Project, when some of the beneficiaries visited the Ooni, on Wednesday, in Ile-Ife.

    Olaoluwa said that the project was sponsored by Ooni, as part of his  landmark achievements in the last two years on the throne of his forefathers, adding that the monarch had been paying the school fees of these less privileged.

    According to him, the Oba asked him to shortlist students that were financially constraint and we were able to shortlist students from 37 schools.

    The Coordinator added that 68 students had their WAEC fees paid in 23 of the schools visited, while 14 others would be visited soon.

    Olaoluwa commended Ooni for his fatherly role in the lives of these children.

    He said that so many times, the royal father had compelled some politicians to come to the aids of these students with no positive result till date.

    The coordinator urged NGOs, philanthropists, politicians and meaningful Nigerians to emulate Ooni in assisting the less privileged in the society.

    Responding, Ooni returned all the glory unto Almighty God, who gave him the opportunity to care for the needy.

    Read Also: Ooni, Senate whip, others back Awokoya Foundation

    He called on the students to be orderly, humble and respectful, adding that they should ensure that they face their studies squarely for brighter future.

    The monarch recalled that he learnt shoe making when things were tough and boasted of making his shoes by himself.

    He urged them never to lose hope and advised them to be ambitious, discipline, prayerful and focus for them to get to their promised land.

    Mr Yemi Opawoye-Adeagbo, the Vice-Principal, Ilobu High School, Ilobu, Osun, acknowledged the traditional ruler for assisting all and sundry including the less privileged students.

    Mrs. Paulina Nwachukwu, of Saint Paulina Missionary School, Lagos, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, applauded Ooni for his good gesture towards the less privileged.

    NAN

     

  • Diversification will boost economy – Lai Mohammed

    Diversification will boost economy – Lai Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji  Lai Mohammed, has said the nation has gradually commenced the diversification of its economy from oil to creative industry to boost internally generated revenue ( IGR ) and meet international standard.

    Mohammed, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Grace Gekpe, stated this during the grand finale of Queen Moremi Ajasoro (QMA) beauty pageant at Oriental Hotel in Lagos.

    The event ended in the early hours of Monday.

    The minister said the government was focusing its attention on developing the creative sector as an alternative means of boosting the nation’s economy.

    “The ministry has discovered that the creative industry is an alternative to oil and that is why we are doing a lot to support the sector,” he said

    According to him, the creative industry is an area that opens up employment opportunities for talented youths, thereby, reducing unemployment and possible youthful crimes.

    Mohammed commended Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, the Heritage Ambassador to QMA, for her efforts in promoting culture, and advised other groups to encourage the youths to develop more interest in promoting their cultures.

    “Promoters of our culture and tradition such as Princess Ademiluyi should be encouraged because she is complementing the efforts of the government to ensure that our culture does not go into extinction.

    “Such a cultural pageant as the QMA will also empower young girls not only to learn their traditional language and history, but also make them to be creative and productive,” he said.

    The minister also encouraged more groups in the entertainment industry to key into programmes that would promote Made-in-Nigerian fabrics, foods, dances and local languages which would make the country the world’s tourist attraction.

    The 2017 QMA pageant produced 22 year-old, Oluwatosin Shola-Shittu, an indigene of Ikere Ekiti , Ekiti State as the new queen.

    Shola-Shittu emerged the winner out of no fewer than 500 young girls who registered for the second edition of QMA cultural beauty pageant.

    Shola-Shittu received a cash prize of N5 million, which she was expected to use for investment as part of the empowerment programme of youths initiated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the patron of the pageant.

    The new queen was crowned by the outgoing queen, Blessing Animasahun.

    NAN

  • Ooni appoints Princess Ronke Ademiluyi as Ambassador

    Ooni appoints Princess Ronke Ademiluyi as Ambassador

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has appointed Princess Ronke Ademiluyi as the Heritage Ambassador for Queen Moremi Legacy as part of his efforts to add value to the Yoruba culture .

    Oba Ogunwusi  in a copy of the letter made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos said that Ademiluyi was appointed  the official representative of Moremi, the African Heroine, having been at the forefront of promoting the African culture for years.

    “Ademiluyi, founder of Africa Fashion Week, London and Nigeria, you are  appointed in recognition of your  efforts in promoting the largest international gathering that celebrated African fashion,“ he said.

    The traditional ruler said that by the appointment, Ademiluyi was expected to develop sustainable avenues that would boost the legacies of Queen Moremi.

    “The African promoter’s responsibility is to seek strategic partnerships and collaborations and also generate and design activities that will promote and sustain the iconic Legacies of Moremi.

    ” We need to reawaken the legacy of the impact of the traditional icon which was trying to go into extinction if not salvaged,” the Oba said.

    Ogunwusi noted that Queen Moremi remains an indelible new dawn of great awakening for the development of the Yorùbá culture.

    Ademiluyi reacting to the appointment told NAN that the engagement was very central to the mission of Oba Ogunwusi ‘s  global reenactment of the Yorùbá culture.

    Ademiluyi added that the appointment had tasked her to set out a roadmap on how this vision would be delivered and also build passions of amazing heroism.

    She noted that the statute of Queen Moremi was currently, the third tallest in Africa.

    The lawyer noted that promoting African culture and Yorùbá in particular through fashion dispensed Africa originality and creativity to global stage.

    She said that her initiative as the Ambassador of Queen Móremí would focus on the re-launch of second edition of Moremi beauty pageant to be known as the “Queen Móremí International”.

    “In actualisation of this great commission which Oba Ogunwusi  has entrusted to me, I have resolved to bring together an array of stakeholders globally to support the preservation of Queen Móremí’s  name and what she stood for while alive.

    “I will protect Queen Móremí’s 12th Century iconic legacy as a contemporary torch bearer of Yorùbá culture and heritage globally,” she said.

    According to her, the Queen Moremi pageant, launched in October 2016 in Ile Ife,Osun, produced Blessing Animasahun as the maiden queen who is the cultural aide to the Ooni both locally and internationally.

    She said that the second contest would be holding in October in Ile Ife which would be her first task as the Ambassador of Queen Moremi Legacy.

    Ademiluyi noted that the queen had become the new Amazon of Queen Moremi for her great courage, boldness and sacrifice which she did for her people in her lifetime.

    “The indelible and heroic legacies of Queen Moremi will continue to endure in the chronicles of both Yorùbá and world histories.’’

    Ademiluyi said she would bring up initiatives towards the age-long sustenance of Queen Móremí legacies, that would encourage our females emulate her bravery.

    She also said that women needed to make themselves available for challenging roles in modern society, adding that Moremi’s personality remained unique in the world and would continue to remain an important point of reference.

    Ademiluyi recalled that Moremi Ajasoro was a brave and pretty queen, who in order to solve the problems facing her people, sacrificed anything she had to  the spirit of “Esimirin’’ River on behalf of the Oodua race.

    She said that Moremi’s sacrifice then  helped her to discover the strength of the enemies of the Oodua people and led to the Oodua warriors to conquer them during her lifetime, she .

    “She was a heroine, who liberated the people of Oodua land from faceless invaders who sought to enslave them,’’ she said at the forefront of promoting African culture,’’ she said.

  • Canada invites Ooni to 150th Independence Anniversary

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has been invited as a special guest of the Canadian Government to grace the country’s 150th Independence Anniversary celebrations in July this year.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the special invitation was conveyed to the Ife monarch in his palace on Sunday by a Canadian Member of Parliament (MP), Ramesh Sangha.

    Delivering the invitation, the Canadian MP said that the invitation was aimed at forging stronger ties between Canada and Nigeria.

    Sangha, representing Brampton Central in the Canadian Parliament, said he would collaborate with Federal Government in the areas of economy, youth empowerment, health services, agriculture, science and technology while in Nigeria.

    He described the Ife monarch as a “reference point in Nigeria in view of the enviable niche he has carved for himself since mounting the throne of his forebears.

    “We Canadians are very happy with Your Highness for the great work you are doing.”

    “On behalf of Canadian Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Justin Pierre James Trudeau, we are inviting you to the 150th Independence Anniversary Celebration of Canada coming up in July,” said the Canadian MP.

    Responding, Oba Ogunwusi said he would continue to promote Yoruba tradition and cultural heritage as well as propagate peace and unity across the world.

    The Ife monarch said he would grace the occasion in Canada and also promised to contribute his quota to the success of the programme.

    NAN reports that the Canadian delegation included John Adeyefa, President, and Nigerian-Canadian Association in Ottawa, Chidi Nwanyanwu, and President, Nigerian-Canadian Association in Ontario and Sola Agboola, Leader, Nigerian Young-Adult Association in Canada.