Buhari seeks Ooni-elect’s support to build better Nigeria

New monarch arrives Ile-Ife today
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Ooni-elect, Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to work with the Federal Government towards building a peaceful and united Nigeria.

Reacting to emergence of Ogunwusi to succeed the late Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade Olubuse II, who passed on recently, Buahri urged the Ooni-designate to build on the legacy left behind by his predecessor.

In a statement on his behalf by his spokesman, Femi Adesina yesterday, President Buhari said Ogunwusi’s emergence after a keenly contested election and confirmation by the governor was an indication of the peoples’ acceptability of him.

The statement reads in part, “On behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on his emergence as the 51st Ooni of Ife and successor to the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
President Buhari rejoices with Prince Adeyeye on his nomination as Ooni by the kingmakers of Ife after a keenly contested but peaceful selection process, and confirmation yesterday by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State.
“As he prepares to begin the rites of ascension to the revered throne of his great ancestors, President Buhari urges the Ooni-designate to commit himself to carrying all his subjects along to a new era of peace, stability and progress in Ife, Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

“The President calls on Prince Adeyeye to be prepared to put his new position as Ooni and principal custodian of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba to good use in the service of his people and country.
“President Buhari also urges the Ooni-designate to dedicate himself to building on, and surpassing the worthy legacies of his much-acclaimed predecessor, Oba Sijuwade, and working with government and other traditional rulers across the country to foster greater harmony, peaceful co-existence and faster socio-economic development of his people and all Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, the Ooni-elect is expected to make a “triumphant’’ entry to the ancient town of Ile-Ife today.
He would be received at the entrance of the town by kingmakers, and other eminent Ife indigenes with drumming and dancing, and led to his family house from where he would continue his royal journey to Ilofi for installation rites.
A former aide to governor Aregbesola who is an indigene of Ife, Biyi Odunlade, told reporters yesterday that the expected arrival of the Ooni-elect yesterday was shifted to today.

The All Progressives Congress {APC} in Osun State has congratulated the people of Ile Ife, and the Yoruba nation for the official announcement of a new Ooni of Ife. The congratulatory message was contained in a statement by the
party’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr Kunle Oyatomi.