The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has congratulated the Ooni of Ife, Oba Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on his 10th coronation anniversary, describing unity among Yoruba traditional rulers as essential for the region’s development.
In a statement on Sunday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Alaafin said he joined “other Yoruba traditional rulers, the indigenes of Oyo Kingdom, and the government and people of Osun State in celebrating the revered monarch.”
Oba Owoade praised the Ooni for what he called his “commitment, resilience and distinguished leadership,” noting that the Oba Ogunwusi’s exposure before ascending the throne “continues to impact and expand the influence of the domain.”
He added that the Ooni’s “wisdom, warmth and friendliness” would continue to foster peace and harmony in the kingdom.
Praying for the monarch’s continued reign, Oba Owoade said: “May the Almighty God continue to bless the Ooni of Ife and grant him many more fruitful years on the throne.”
Reflecting on gratitude and leadership, he added: “If gratitude is the great opener of the heart, then the Ooni of Ife’s heart should be burst wide open to the sweetness of this moment. If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.
“What is more, gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.”
Oba Owoade used the occasion to call for deeper unity among Yoruba monarchs, stressing that their relevance depends on collective sincerity and dedication.
“As monarchs, all of us have just three responsibilities — maintaining peace, culture and tradition. Kings are not religious leaders. Our responsibility, as handed over to us in our certificates, is to be custodians of the legacies of our ancestors, so that they do not go extinct,” the monarch said.
According to him, unity must be built on “mutual trust, reciprocal brotherly and sisterly relations, shared values and common aspirations,” adding that tolerance of differences in opinion, ethnicity, religion and identity is essential.
“Unity in diversity is a core principle of federalism. All federations must actively nurture and entrench this principle. Nigeria, as a federation with a complex mosaic of diversity, must continue to find ways of forging and sustaining unity and national integration,” Alaafin said.
He concluded by wishing the Ooni “many more prosperous years ahead.”