At Ojude-Oba festival, Bukola Saraki preaches unity among Nigerians

Eminent Nigerians yesterday joined the Ijebu in Ogun State to celebrate their annual Ojude-Oba festival.The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who was the special guest of honour, praised the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and his chiefs for organising a festival that fosters unity among the people.

Saraki, whose entourage include Senators Dino Melaye, Ben Bruce, Abiodun Olujimi, Duro Faseyi, Buruji Kashamu, Shaba Lafiaji and Sam Anyanwu, urged Nigerians to emulate the Ijebu people, whom he said, despite their diversity in faith, lived and interacted harmoniously with one another.

The Senate president described the over 100 years old festival as a “noble culture” that has continued to serve as a veritable rallying point for all sons and daughters of Ijebuland. According to him, whenever the issue of “resilience and dynamism of culture” is being discussed, Ojude-Oba readily comes to mind.

Saraki, who noted that the festival has continued to grow from strength to strength under Oba Adetona, said it had also become obvious that only quality leadership could engender progress and development such as the type witnessed in Ijebuland. He advised that Nigeria should draw strength from her diversity like the Ijebu people and not use her diversity to create barrier or wedge to national unity and progress.

“In over a century of Ojude Oba, Ijebu citizens have shown us that unity will always lead to progress, and that there is strength in unity. This is a shining
example for us all. When we talk about the resilience and dynamism of culture, Ojude Oba is a case in point. It is always wonderful to see this proud display of culture that you have consistently showcased for over a hundred years,” he said.

Also in attendance at the event were the state’s deputy governor who was represented by Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga; former governor, Gbenga Daniel; Senator Gbenga Kaka; Oloori Omooba Subomi Balogun; Ladi Adebutu; Dr. Doyin Okupe; and Suraju Adekunbi.