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Tag: Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

  • We won’t dignify Oba Owoade’s threat with response, says Ife monarch

    We won’t dignify Oba Owoade’s threat with response, says Ife monarch

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has said he would not dignify the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, with any official response over his 48-hour revocation order about the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title recently conferred on Ibadan-born business mogul, Dotun Sanusi.

    The Nation recalls that Alaafin cautioned Ooni against conferring the title on Sanusi, noting that he holds the exclusive authority to confer titles covering the entire Yorubaland and not Oba Ogunwusi.

    Ooni, through his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, in a statement yesterday described the threat and ultimatum of Alaafin as an empty comic threat.

    The statement said: ‘’My principal has directed me against issuing a press release on the empty threat of the ‘Alawada Babasala’.

    Read Also: Makinde presents new Alaafin Oba Owoade

    “I beg to disappoint you gentlemen of the press.

    “We cannot dignify the ‘undignifyable’ with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion it is already being treated.

    “Let’s focus on narratives that unite us, rather than the ones capable of dividing us. No press release please.”

    It will be recalled that Sanusi had said the title to be conferred on him was Okanlomo of Oodua, not Okanlomo of Yoruba land. 

    What will happen today after the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum given by the Alaafin of Oyo to the Ooni of Ife?

  • Ooni urges Nigerians in Diaspora to invest at home

    Ooni urges Nigerians in Diaspora to invest at home

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to return home and invest in their various communities.

    Speaking at the second edition of the Traditional Rulers Retreat organized by Cavista Holdings and Agbeyewa Farms held at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, the first-class monarch emphasized the need for Nigerians abroad to bring their skills, expertise, and resources to develop their homeland.

    Oba Ogunwusi also commended the chairman of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide, for his multi-billion naira investment in Ekiti State, particularly through Agbeyewa Farms.

    The monarch noted that these investments would not only boost the state’s economy but also create employment opportunities for the teeming youths, and contribute to the overall development.

     Oba Ogunwusi urged traditional rulers to support investors and their investments, highlighting their indispensable roles in community development.

     He noted that investors need peace and cooperation from communities to thrive, and it is the responsibility of traditional rulers to ensure this happens.

    Read Also: Nigerian appointed W.A.D ambassador to Nigeria

     In his remarks, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, said the retreat is important for the government, traditional institutions, and investors to collaborate in enhancing progress and fostering economic growth.

     Represented by his Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, the governor said: “One of the things investors need is peace in the community where they operate. It is the traditional rulers who can guarantee peace and receive investors warmly, cooperate with them, and ensure that the investment thrives.

    “Once in a while, there may be dissenting voices in those communities, the monarchs must calm the dissenting voices. Investors want return on investment, and this can only happen when the community cooperates with the investors.”

    On his part, Olajide explained that the retreat, which is the second edition, was aimed at seeking more collaboration with the traditional institution for more productive engagement and investment in the state.

  • JUST IN: First Lady arrives Ooni’s palace to unveil monument

    JUST IN: First Lady arrives Ooni’s palace to unveil monument

    The First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has arrived the palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi for the official commissioning of the monument in the ancient town. 

    Senator Tinubu arrived the palace at 11:23am with other dignitaries for the official commissioning of ‘Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way’ as well as the unveiling of the Grand Pavilion and Monument at Obafemi Awolowo University, her alma mater. 

    This historic occasion is in conjunction with the birthday thanksgiving and celebration of Ooni Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife.

    Read Also: First Lady urges Nigerians to prioritise mental health awareness

    Dignitaries at the palace to receive the First Lady include Osun Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi; Wife of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Kafayat Oyetola; Senator Jide Omoworare, Osun Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers among others. 

    Other dignitaries include wife of Oyo Governor; Tamunominini Makinde; Wife of Osun Governor, Titilola Adeleke and others. 

    Details shortly…

  • Ooni celebrates Chief Igbinedion at 85

    On Wednesday, September 11, Benin-City stood still as the two-week 85th birthday celebration of business mogul, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, ended in style.

    The grand finale, which was graced by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, was concluded with a Morning Dew service and reception at his residence at Okada Avenue, G.R.A. Benin City.

    The occasion was also attended by the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, a former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah; former Minister of ForeignAffairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, Senator Ben Obi and a host of others.

    While extolling the Esama of Benin’s quality, the prayed to God to preserve him for humanity.

    The Royal Father stated: “We love you so much and the love is not now; it has been there for years because of all the good things you do and you still do. I remember your strong affiliations with my predecessor. We know the role and input you made in his life and we know the roles he played in your life too. I am here today because of your goodwill. I said I had to come here because it was important.”

  • Soyinka, Ooni to Nigerians: defend your ancestral lands

    NIGERIA cannot survive another civil war, Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and frontline monarch Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have warned.

    They called on the authorities to arrest what they see as the prevailing drift into “a dysfunctional state on multiple levels of citizenship, community belonging, security and productive opportunities”.

    In a communiqué they issued at the end of a meeting at the weekend, the duo counselled the government on ensuring co-existence amongst Nigerians.

    The communique was issued after a visit by the royal father to Soyinka in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    They said that solutions must be found to the challenges threatening national cohesion and survival.

    According to the literary icon and the royal father, efforts must be made to douse the tension over the suspended Ruga settlements. The government has suspended the project, saying the implementation was inconsistent with its plan.

    The communique decried a situation where some groups consider themselves especially privileged and above the law.

    It states: “We have in mind destructive forms of social transactions that characterize groups such as nomadic cattle herdsmen, and their umbrella groupings in the nature of Miyetti Allah.

    “We confess ourselves increasingly distressed and appalled that the hitherto harmonious cohabitation, even routine collaboration, among the productive arms of society that Nigerians have taken for granted even from pre-colonial times, have deteriorated to unprecedented levels of barbarity, contempt for human lives and a defiant trampling on the civic entitlements of other productive vectors, such as farmers, the providers of both food and cash crops.

    “This abhorrent, yet consistent pattern of sectarian, and homicidal arrogance is obviously not merely counter-productive but inhuman, criminal and divisive.”

    Read Also: Soyinka: cattle colonies can set Nigeria on fire

    Soyinka and Oba Ogunwusi said the recent ultimatum delivered by a sectarian order to President Muhammadu Buhari to set up the so-called Ruga cattle settlements across the entire nation within a stipulated time, despite national outcry, should be acknowledged as their entitlement under the law that grants them freedom of expression.

    Given the current state of affairs, the eminent citizens called on Nigerians across the states to defend the sanctity of their ancestral lands, because such birthright has never been annulled, “not even under colonial occupation”.

    They said those who indulge in what they described as “internal colonisation project are backward, primitive and underdeveloped minds that have failed to overcome delusions in the antiquated belief in sectarian dominion as the key to social existence”.

    Soyinka and Oba Ogunwusi urged Nigerians to convoke a series of frank encounters, across various interests and concerns, to debate and determine the future structure of their nation, most especially with a view to attaining a genuine, decentralised functional governance arrangement.

    They added: “We propose a structure that enables the constitutive parts to progress at their own pace, determine their own priorities, and encourage creative exploitation of their resources for the benefit of their peoples.  Such encounters will simultaneously address the numerous anomalies that plague the nation – from youth unemployment, infrastructural decay, insecurity and ethical collapse, to the untenable aspects of the protocols of the present constitution that supposedly bond the nation as one.

    “We consider it a primary imperative of nation existence that the constitutive parts of the nation take steps to preserve and enhance their distinct cultural identities, including tested and relevant pre-colonial values, their spiritual apprehension of phenomena and worship, all without detriment to the principles and ideals of mutual co-existence.

    “To this end, we undertake to create state-of-the-art Ethnic Museums for our people both at home and in the Diaspora, where present and future generations can access their histories and cultures vividly, as living expressions of their very humanity, not simply as relics of eras vanished forever or irrelevant to the present.

    “We pledge ourselves to join hands with others in fashioning a realistic, functional, and sustainable charter of development for the welfare and progress of our peoples, culturally, economically, and spiritually, where every individual freely obtains access to the means of his or her chosen path of development, and the fulfilling knowledge of valuable contribution to the well-being and advance of the overall community, and of humanity.”

  • Masters feast on Queen Moremi

    It is one of the best ways to preserve a heroine, a queen mother who lost her only son to save Ife people. Come June 8th, 28 of Nigeria’s master artists will display their different works at the Alexis Galleries, Lagos. Edozie Udeze who encountered some of the artists and the promoter of the project, Patty Chidiac-Mastrogiannis, reports

    It is planned to be the greatest show in the history of visual art sector in Nigeria in recent times.  It is a moment when twenty-eight of Nigeria’s masters of the art will be on display at the Alexis Galleries in Lagos.  Each of the masters cutting across all genres of the visual has been able to paint or sculpt the image of Queen Moremi of Ile-Ife, a virtuous woman who sacrificed her only son and indulged in other personal sacrifices to save her people.  The project is Patty Chidiac Mastrogiannis contribution to the ongoing campaign begun by the Ooni of Ife , Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to entrench the name of this quintessential Queen mother and what she did that was rare and still unparalleled in today’s world peopled by self-centred leaders and individuals.

    The masters include Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo, Tola Wewe, Edosa Ogiugo, Bunmi Babatunde, Abiodun Olaku, Gbenga Offo, Reuben Ugbine, Chinwe Uwatshe, Sam Ovraiti, Duke Asidere, Dominique Zinkpe, Fidelis Odogwu.  Others are Sam Ebohon, Tony Nsofor, Alex Nwokolo, Diseye Tantua, Mavua Lessor, Segun Aiyesan, Ato Arinze, Zinno Orara, Joshua Nmesirionye, Gerry Nnubia, John Oyedemi, Joe Essien, Abraham Uyoubisere, Gab Awusa, and Gerald Chukwuma.  Each artist is meant to prepare one work in his medium and from any perspective of Moremi that suits him or her.  At a press conference to announce the commencement of the show which will open at Alexis on June 8th, Mrs. Chidiac Mastrogiannis disclosed that none of the works will be made public until the Ooni sees them first.  “It will be his right to see the works first.  That is why none of the works is here for this press preview.  He deserves that respect and honour.  And this show will be the biggest visual art show in the history of contemporary art in Nigeria where twenty-eight of the masters would be on call with their individual artistic works on one person.  It is big; it is a show that we all hope to witness”.

    It will also be a travelling art exhibition.  From Lagos, the works will travel to London, from there to New York then Dubai and finally to Lebanon.  Interestingly, this series will be on for a while.  More works of visual will be done on the Moremi project to totally explore all aspects of her sacrifices to better the lot of her people of Ile-Ife.  “It was not easy to have such a beautiful and virtuous queen at that time with so much passion for her people. This is why we have to key into the ideals of House of Oduduwa project to embark on this gargantuan project”.  Of course the Ooni will be there to declare the exhibition open and to seize the opportunity to let the world into the history of this woman of honour.

    For the artists, it will be an ample time to show dexterity, class and uniqueness.  This is why the theme of the show is: Moremi  Art Exhibition, views from the masters.  Both on canvases and on carved forms, the different views will be amazing artworks to view and cherish and appreciate.

    Masters speak

    At the press conference some of the artists spoke about the angles they took and what Moremi means to them.  As a historical figure, good enough to generate rich repertoire of art pieces, the artists were really excited to be part of this epoch-making historic projects.  Gerry Nnubia a painter, said, “as an experimentalist artist, a master in my own right, the story of Moremi provides a rare saga for an artist.  She is a special and good personality for an artist to paint.  Therefore, when we watched the musical drama on her at Terra Kulture, Lagos, we saw all sorts of aspects of her to make the canvas smile.  I then saw her as a woman in both traditional and contemporary era.  What she did, no man can even do it for his people.  So I see her as a winner, from that point where she and her people used fire or torchlight to subdue their enemies”.

    As for Ato Arinze, a porter and ceramist, “It is good to be here now.  I have heard different versions of what Moremi did.  But today I have got the true picture.   The story from the palace is the authentic one as told by Princess Tolani Ademuluyi, the Moremi ambassador.  She was a true mother to all.  This is what I virtualized and represented in my work”, he said.

    Abraham Uyovbisere, a painter was glad to be involved in this remarkable exhibition.  He said: “It is good really to be part of this.  She left legacies no one can ever surpass in our clime.  We need to learn from her example in good conduct and purposeful leadership.  This is why I chose to do justice to what she represented.  It did not take me much time to conceptualise and contemplate what angle to take”.

    Fidelis Odogwu is a sculptor and he concentrated on an image of immense imposing character.  “I titled my work the custodian.  That was what she was to her people.  She was a rare custodian and she gave all herself to ensure that safety returned to Ife.  She gave away what she treasured most – her only son.  A very beautiful woman, she used her charm to save a whole community.  This is the sort of example that is very hard to come by these days.  It was a serious sacrifice and our works will certainly depict all aspects of her leadership attributes.  She is our own African Queen and the piece I did, will show all those remarkable qualities”.

    Moremi Ajasoro

    She was one of the wives of Oranmiyan, the Ooni of Ife.  At that time, a particular set of people called the Igbo people were tormenting the people of Ile-Ife.  They devised a guerrilla form of warfare to torture Ife people.  They would attack at will and random that the people of Ife could not find any solution.  Kidnapping, maiming, killings were on the increase.

    So, Moremi sneaked out of the palace to seek for ways to resolve the matter and save her people.  The sea goddess she sought after told her to go on ahead to do her best.  Then Moremi promised that she would do whatever she wanted from her if she succeeded to discover the secret of their strange adversaries.

    So at the next war, she let herself to be captured.  Over on the enemy side, she used her charm and beauty to hoodwink the King of the people of Igbo to fall in love with her.  In the end, she discovered the secret told her by the king himself.  The seductive power of a woman at work!  The king told her that they wore mantels of the grasses and bamboos to disguise and look weird.  This was a trick to frighten their opponents and appear awful.  Yet the only antidote is that fire or torchlight should not be near the soldiers.  The light may burn or weaken the potency of their powers.  Again, Moremi escaped back to Ife to relay her discoveries to her people.

    She told her soldiers to carry torchlight each to the battlefield.  This way, the Igbo people were finally routed and defeated and driven far away from the vicinity.

    Then she visited the sea goddess (may be Yemoja) with all sorts of materials and items to appease her.  She rejected them all.  ‘I need only one thing’, she said to her, ‘what is it?’ Moremi asked.  And the goddess declared Olurogbo, your only son else…”  Promptly weakened by this demand, Moremi nonetheless recovered in no time to go ahead to sacrifice her only son.  History records or speculates that if she had disobeyed the goddess she would have inflicted them with more devastating disasters.  Already their constant disgraceful defeat by their enemies, was rumoured to be a punishment from the ancestors.  So, Olurogbo had to go and Moremi remained broken all her life.  Yet she was gladdened by the fact that Ife was finally rescued and preserved by her motherly love, passion, concern, sacrifices and boldness.

    Plays have been written and staged in the name of Moremi.  Musicals have been produced to entrench her exploits in history.  Today, it is visual art in forms of traditional and contemporary arts to still give more accolade to this indefatigable beautiful queen who lost all to save humanity.

    Already the Ooni has erected a 42 feet high statue of Moremi in front of the palace in Ife.  He insists that the singularly life of Moremi should be promoted to teach modern virtues in leadership.  This is why he is bent on using all aspects of the art to project her place in history.

    Ademuluyi who is the ambassador of the project said it will be made a nationwide one.  “This incident took place about 1,700 years ago, yet we will see it as if it is today event.  Its significance transcends time and season.  It is to encourage the younger ones to do the best to at least project and protect their families, to always show love, concern to others. It is also a time to promote the place of Nigerian women in leadership and more”.

    The exhibition opens on 9th.  It is sponsored by Pepsi, Amstel Malt, The Guardian, Wazobia TV, CoolFM, La Cave, Mikano,Cobranet Internet Service Provider, Delta Airline, The Homestores and Art Café.

  • Ooni’s love for culture and tradition is what attracts me to him

    Solomon Ogbonna is a man of many parts. He is an art collector, mentor to young entrepreneurs and artists, and President, Ohaneze ndi Igbo. Ogheneyoma Omaredjde had an encounter with him when the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi visited his gallery in Lagos.

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi was at your gallery today what does that mean to you?

    I knew him as a young man. He was someone who was dedicated to hardwork and his exploits precede his tenure as Oba. As a king in this time and age, and someone who attaches great value to culture and tradition of his people, especially in the area of artwork, you can’t but admire the Ooni. He is also a well-honoured man within and outside the shores of Nigeria.

    What are some of the principles that guide and inspire you?

    I am very flexible person, and to further break it down, I do go for what I do not need. In addition, I aspire for only things that I know that I have the capacity for. I appreciate people who are making a mark in their chosen fields and do not join the league of people who envy others in things that they know they cannot do. Besides, I know all things in this life come from God.

    Who or what inspired you to go into your line of business?

    I have a passion for arts, our culture and tradition. I want to set up a museum and that has been the motivation for the things that I do.  I have had great interest in African artworks right from a very tender age. At the moment, I have collected a lot of materials and they actually spurred me into doing more for the sector.

    What was it like at the beginning?

    People initially saw it as stress and they kept wondering what I was up to. Some people actually came to me on a number of occasions asking   what I was going to do with these ‘deities’. The interest I have for African art is something no one can explain because it is from my nature.

    What were you doing before you came into the sector and what was the experience like?

    I was a businessman and I have had different experiences. At a point, I travelled to Europe to resume my business, and then I bought properties, built them and sold them. That is a very interesting part of my life and I learnt a number of lessons in the property business that has helped me tremendously in the other things that I do.

    What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered?

    The challenges concerning African art is that they are only few people who know the value and worth of the collection, unlike other parts of the world. We need to enlighten our people about the opportunities and potentials in the sector. This way, people would be ready to invest in the sector and promote the arts.

    How do you relax?

    I relax when I close for the day. You have to work hard, achieve your dreams before thinking about relaxation. Sometimes, I give myself a break and take time off to go on holidays either here in Nigeria or abroad. If I decide to spend my vacation here In Lagos, I would look out for a good place or I could be in places like Imo or Enugu State.

    If you are to advice the young people about the sector in Nigeria, what will you tell them?

    I will tell them to choose what they are passionate about and explore the potentials there. If it is creating artworks that God has given you as a talent, then you must keep developing till you make an impact in the field. When you keep at something, it is a matter of time, before someone discovered you. The most important thing is hardwork, dedication and perseverance.

    If one is not knowledgeable about art, but is interested, what can such person do?

    There is one thing we have to know about Africa arts:  African art is like an identity to the African people. It is not just about making something and it’s only the artist that will know the meaning. Most of our artworks in the olden days are still very great and exciting to behold. Look at this piece of art (he hold up an artwork), it has a story and a message. Most time in those ancient days, there were so many unpardonable failures that we don’t have these days. A lot has changed and it is reflected in the art pieces that you see today.

  • Poisoning of OAU dam, act of genocide—Management

    The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has described the poisoning of its dam by suspected hoodlums as an act of genocide against members of the institution.

    Some aggrieved indigenes of Ile-Ife, who claimed ownership of some portions of the university land, had on April 3 invaded the university and allegedly poisoned the institution’s dam with a chemical.

    Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, the university’s Public Relation Officer, who conducted journalists round the disputed land and the dam within the school’s premises, on Wednesday said the poisoning of the dam was genocidal.

    Olanrewaju said the chemical used in poisoning the dam, which was the only source of water for the university, killed all the aquatic animals in it.

    He, however, said that the dam had been treated and was now safe to drink.

    “The act is condemnable and wicked. How can some group of people poison the only source of dam where the over 36,000-strong university population was drinking from?

    “The act is genocidal and wicked. They came through the Parakin area of the town to poison the dam but God was so good to us that immediately the dam was poisoned, rain fell for two days which washed the poisonous chemical away.

    “We have treated the water and laboratory test had been done on it and now it is very safe to drink,” Olanrewaju said.

    Olanrewaju also said the disputed land belongs to the Federal Government, adding that the university was not ready to concede it to anybody.

    READ ALSO: 2face Idibia bags OAU’s honorary fellow award

    According to him, the land which is about 162 hectares was given to the university in the 60s by the then Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi.

    He said the land grabbers had started selling some portions of land to the people while construction workers working on the proposed OAU International Secondary school on the land were chased away with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons by the hoodlums.

    Olanrewaju said three blocks of hostels built for students on the said land were abandoned due to attacks by the hoodlums.

    “For the safety of our children in the university, the vice-chancellor instructed us not to allocate any of 360 rooms newly built hostel to them.

    ” The vice-chancellor has also instructed our security men not to retaliate but it is not possible for anyone to invade Federal Government land for personal gain because the land is gazetted.

    “We have informed the police and other security agencies and we believe they will act accordingly.

    “We have also informed the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Ife Development Board,”Olanrewaju said.

    He, however, said that anyone who was ready to use any portion of the land for the generality of the people and not for personal gain could approach the university for consideration.

  • Crash: Ooni glorifies God over Osinbajo’s safety

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has glorified God for saving the lives of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his aides who were involved in a helicopter mishap on Saturday.

    The Ooni expressed his feeling in a statement signed by Mr Moses Olafare, Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

    The helicopter in which the vice president and his aides were on a campaign tour crash-landed in Kaba, Kogi, on Saturday.

    Oba Ogunwusi said he rejoiced with all the survivors, their families, the Government and people of Nigeria over the rescue of the vice president and his aides.

    He urged all the politicians to remain unshaken by the incident and continue with their electioneering activities ahead of the Feb 16 and March 2 general elections.

    The royal father wished them Divine grace and protection before, during and after the elections.

    He also prayed for the country’s economic prosperity, security, political stability and peaceful coexistence among the people.

    NAN

  • Buhari to monarchs: influence peaceful elections

    President Muhammadu Buhari has called on traditional rulers in the country to use their positions as the closest to the grassroots to ensure the forthcoming elections are peaceful.

    Buhari made the call on Friday during an audience with a delegation of traditional rulers from the Southwest.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said: “Those who fear that their persons or their policies cannot win elections might resort to incitements to violence.

    “Our young people must not be left to those who will instigate violence and cause others to lose their property or lives.

    “We are determined to keep order and I hope Your Highnesses are on the same page with us.”

    Buhari also reiterated commitment of his administration to infrastructural development across the nation:

    “In every state in Nigeria, we are doing at least one major road project. In the Southwest, we are completing the Lagos to Ibadan expressway.

    “The reconstruction of this road, which is the busiest in Nigeria, had not been given the attention it deserved till now.

    “We will complete the first phase of railway, Lagos to Ibadan by the end of this month.

    “We are also working on several power projects in the Southwest. Of importance is the imminent completion of power supply to Ondo South where many of the local governments have not had power for years,” he added.

    The President said the nation could only develop if resources were spent on the people and facilities that would promote commerce and create jobs.

    He commended the traditional rulers and especially the people of Southwest, for setting the example of religious tolerance and unity.

    According to him: “It is to your credit as traditional rulers that such harmony between religions has been achieved.”

    Read Also: Buhari meets Ooni, Yoruba monarchs in Aso Rock

    The delegation, led by the Ooni of Ife and co-chair of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, commended Buhari for placing the completion of the Lagos –Ibadan expressway on the front burner as well as the Lagos to Ibadan rail line.

    The traditional rulers expressed appreciation to the President for the posthumous recognition given to MKO Abiola as President of Nigeria, urging him to continue the good works.

    They assured that history will be kind to him.

    They also asked for more developmental projects in the region.

    On the delegation were: Alake of Egbaland; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu; the Oloye of Oye Ekiti; the Olukare of Ikare Akoko; the Aseyin of Iseyin; Deji of Akure and the Alayemore of Ido Osun.