Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta

Awujale and Otunba Subomi Balogun at the reception for Ooni Ogunwusi in Ijebu-Ode

The Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland,Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona has warned the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi to be wary of praise singers who may want to be loitering around him for favour.

The monarch said that the Yoruba unity,which the new monarch seeks,can be achieved,if he desists from the sycophants.

He stated this on Friday when the Ooni paid a historic visit to him at his palace in Ijebu Ode.

Awujale alongside all the traditional rulers in Ijebuland,numbering over 50 were in attendance to give the monarch, a royal welcome to the headquarters of Ijebuland.

Ooni and Awujale

Oba Ogunwusi,who arrived the Awujale palace at exactly 1:00pm,was accompanied by many High Chiefs and traditional rulers from the ancient town.

In his address, Awujale,who expressed happiness for the visit, recalled that the unity of Yoruba monarchs has been forged  before,praying that the good days will be back.

Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi on arrival in Ijebu-Ode

According to him,”the first conference of Yoruba monarchs was held in 1937 in Oyo,Oyo state and the next one was here in Ijebu Ode,that was 1941. Alafin did not attend the meeting then. Ijebu played a very prominent role in the affairs of Yoruba.

“Let me at this point remember Late Ooni,Adesoji Aderemi. He was a fine man,he embraced everybody and we all loved him. When your predecessor came,he turned himself to something. I don’t know where he got his history,he said he is the father of all,he believed he was the leader.

“Your statement during inauguration was so impressive. That statement will bring unity and peace to the Yoruba race.

“Now, hear this, there are many socio-cultural groups,who always say they are fighting the interest of the Yoruba. I don’t believe so. They are working for themselves. Be careful of them,they are praise singers.  Don’t listen to them. If we join hands together and speak in one voice,we can achieve a lot for our people”, Awujale said.

The Ooni of Ife thanked Awujale and other traditional rulers in Ijebu for their hospitality,added that, ” Awujale is a good leader,whose has been endowed by the King of the kings”.

He called for unity among Yoruba monarchs,so as to move the region forward.

Oba Ogunwusi appealed to all Yoruba monarchs to come together to discuss ways forward for the region and forget about supremacy,which according to him,”belongs to God,the creator of our lives and King over all kings”.

“I am a very young man,attaining this post at my early stage. This throne is far beyond my age,it requires wisdom, knowledge and understanding. And for someone to have spent 56 years on throne,I decided to move closer to him.

” Yoruba race has a lot of benefits,God loves us most,in all ramifications,we are the best and the first in Nigeria. If we are not in unity,we will not value ourselves, united we stand,divided we fall.

“We should all work towards unity as we have to be together to move the region forward,now is the time.

“I have come to visit our father to know his state of health .I’m happy today that he is healthier and all other kings and chiefs in Ijebuland too,I’m glad to see this”, Oba Ogunwusi stated.