A New Era Begins, Says Ooni

Speaking shortly after receiving his staff of office on Monday, the Ooni, who dedicated his staff to Nigerian youth, promised to liaise with people in leadership positions to fashion out ways of engaging the youths.

Full of gratitude to God for making him a monarch, the new Ooni said, “It is indeed a new dawn. It is our God that makes a king, and I am grateful to God for preparing me for this throne. I did not become a king by accident, God designed it to be so because as a prince, I had personal dealings with over 20 kings and I will explore this to work for the unity of all Yoruba monarchs.

“Immediately I was selected by the kingmakers, I called the Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Adetona and discussed with him the essence of bringing everybody together. I am glad to say that today we are on the same page.

“I also called Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. We spoke at length. He came around during my seclusion. I have also met with Oba Akiolu of Lagos apart from many other traditional rulers that I have personal relationships with. So gradually, the Yoruba kingdom is coming together. I want to admit that fingers are not equal, but there must be unity.”

Oba Ogunwusi who charged the youths to be positive about life and shun social vices, urged them to tap into the opportunities in Nigeria and to stop condemning the elders.

“I will do a lot for our youths and improve on our values. I consider myself to be fortunate because for somebody within my age grade to be closer to many leaders, is a rare privilege. And I have started some serious discussions with some monarchs that we are in the same age bracket to improve on the traditional institution,” he assured.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented at the occasion by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, urged Ogunwusi to rise up to the huge responsibility of leading the Yoruba ethnic nationality with courage, integrity and loyalty to the people.

He said, “We are reminding you today that you are being given the primary responsibility to carry the virtue of Omoluabi in the discharge of your responsibilities to the people because the throne of Ooni is powerful to the Yoruba race.”

Quoting from the Book of Ecclesiastes 10 vs. 16 and 17 in the Holy Bible, Osinbajo noted that as an Ooni, people will always look up to him in expectation.

He however expressed optimism that God would provide the monarch the wherewithal to do his best during his reign.

“On behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, I congratulate you on ascension to the throne of your forebears.”