Ooni Commended For Uniting Yoruba In Diaspora With Their Ancenstral Roots

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has been commended for working towards uniting Yoruba in the diaspora with their ancenstral roots.

Recieving Ooni’s contingent that was passing through Ghana enroute Brazil at Nigerian House, Accra, Nigeria Ambassador to Ghana, Femi Abikoye, said many descents of the Yoruba race have not hidden their acceptance of Ooni Ogunwusi’s decision to unite all members of the race residing outside Nigeria with their roots.

According to him, despite being far from their ancestral homes, many members of the race are still interested in knowing more, and possibly reconnecting with their roots, stressing that the efforts of Ooni Ogunwusi, who is regarded as the father of the race will in no distance time lead to return in large number of Yoruba in dispora back to six Yoruba speaking states of Nigeria.

Abikoye said: “Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has not hidden his intention to unite all members of Yoruba race, wherever they are and bring them together to further preserve and market Yoruba culture to the rest of the world.

“This effort is yielding expected result.There is improved cultural awareness among people of the race in all parts of the world. Those in dispora are pleased that their father still remembers them.

“The move by baba Ooni will soon lead to influx into all Yoruba speaking states and Ile Ife of many members of the race in dispora. In all of these, Nigeria is the greatest beneficiary.”

Responding on behalf of the contingent, Olugbon of Ile Igbon in Oyo State, Oba Olusola Alao, commended Nigeria High Commission in Ghana for the hospitality extended to them.

He added that the resolution by Ooni Ogunwusi to unite Yoruba people across the world, has the backing of all Yoruba monarchs and urged stakeholders in the affairs of the race to ensure that the efforts yield expected results.

A statement by the Director of Media, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, copies of which were obtained by newsmen in Osogbo, explained that a contingent of 80 travelers that includes; monarchs, priests, artistes, journalists and culture promoters are accompanying Ooni to Brazil on 10 days official visit.

The statement said, Timi of Ede, Oba Adesola Lawal, Ajero of Ijero kingdom, Oba Adewole Adebayo, Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdul Ganiy Adekunlr Ologunebi, Olugbon of Ile’gbon, Oba Olusola Alao, were among the notable Yoruba traditional rulers on the entourage.

Others are; Jegun of Idepe Okitipupa, Oba Adetoye Obatuga, Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Aderemi Obaleye, Alaran of Arandun, Oba Ibikunle Adekanye, Elerinm of Erinmo Ijesa, Oba Micheal Odunayo, Owa Kogun of Okerewe Ife, Oba Muraina Adedoyin and Alayeluwa of Odo Ayandelu, Lagos state, Oba Aderibigbe Asunmo.

Also on the entourage are; Sooko Laekun of Ife, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Dr. Ayo Omidire, director, Institute of African Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Prof Jelili Ojuade, Director, Advancement Centre, University of Ilorin, Obadio of Ife, Oba Ifarotimi Ifaloba, Oranfe of Ife, Oba Abiodun Mullato, Osogun of Ife, Adedapo Olafiranye and Oba Isoro, O.O Dada, among others.

The contingent led by Timi and Ajero at the early hours of Wednesday departed Accra for Rio de Jenario in Brazil where they will be joined by the Ooni, who is being expected in the country Thursday morning.