Ile-Ife: Religious Leaders Usher In 2018 With Prayer As Ooni Preaches Peace, Unity

The Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called for national peace, unity and tranquility which he said are the pillars to strengthen Nigeria’s quest for socio-economic development in 2018.

The Ooni of Ife who is the Spiritual leader of the Yoruba race said this in Ile-Ife Saturday at the Grand-finale of the interdenominatonal New Year Prayer Programme organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ife Chapter.

He acknowledged the goodness of God for the gift of life and the opportunity to witness the day.

The Co-chairman of National Traditional Rulers Council Of Nigeria also urged Christians to let their thanksgivings always supersede their requests from God.

“God is the Almighty King of Kings that spares our lives throughout 2017 till date despite all challenges facing each and every one of us.

“There is nothing we can offer Him than to give Him all our praises throughout the days of our lives.

“Only God is worthy of our praises for we are still alive to see the new year, who can questioned God, if we all have been buried in the year 2017?”. Ooni said.

The African foremost monarch called on Christians to always pray for peaceful coexistence before, during and after the forthcoming elections across the state and the entire country, saying they must support Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun and his cabinet in their efforts to make the state a better place for businesses to thrive and for peace to reign.

He ended his speech at the inter-denominational event by counselling the youths to always shun violence and to work assiduously for a brighter future of the country.

It will be recalled that Ooni Ogunwusi had earlier on 31st December 2017 in his New Year message through his Director of Media, Comrade Moses Olafare prayed for President Muhammadu Buhari’s son, Yusuff who was involved in a motorbike accident and charged the Nigerian youths to rather start seeing themselves as leaders of today instead of leaders of tomorrow which sounds like a cloak of social bondage denying them the right to national position in Nigeria.

Preaching earlier on the topic: “GOD OF HOST IS A CONSUMING FIRE” Pastor Samuel Akinsulure, the Christ Apostolic Church, (CAC) Ife District Coordinating Council (DCC), prayed that God will fight for Nigerians as a people and Nigeria as a nation this year 2018.

He, however urged Christians to abstain from all forms of immoral activities and rededicate themselves to the sacred service of God. He urged them to prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ, adding that only those who believed in His resurrection would be saved.

Also, Dr Wale Bolorunduro, former Commissioner for Finance, in the State of Osun urged Christians to be faithful to God and worship Him without limits.

Mr Bolorunduro, who noted that there was hope for the country, said that all the challenges facing the country would soon be overcome.

He urged Nigerians to be prayerful, adding that with God all things are possible.

The Secretary of CAN, Ife chapter, Apostle Segun Olatokunbo had earlier appreciated the physical presence of Wale Bolorunduro and Comrade Gbenga Awosode, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Cooperatives.

He lamented that apart from Senator Iyiola Omisore who sent an apology letter for his absence, all the politicians and Public office holders from Ile-Ife invited to the programme never showed any acknowledgement.

“It is sad that the so called politicians representing this town in various government positions local, state and federal did not think it is necessary for them to be here where prayers are being offered to the peace and progress of their people except Mr Wale Bolorunduro who is even from Ilesa and Comrade Gbenga Awosode, the Governor’s SA on Cooperatives.

I must also say that even though Senator Omisore didn’t come, we appreciate his letter of apology”. He said