Ooni At 52, Seeks Peace, Unity, Progress For Nigeria

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and mutual understanding, urging leaders and citizens to work together towards building a prosperous nation.

The monarch made the call as he celebrated his 52nd birthday on Saturday, October 17, 2026, reaffirming his commitment to promoting Yoruba cultural heritage, strengthening national unity and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch said peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility were essential to Nigeria’s development.

Ogunwusi, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic, religious and political differences in the pursuit of a united country.

He stressed that the country’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division, noting that mutual respect, cooperation and understanding were necessary for achieving sustainable development.

“Peace and unity remain central to my responsibilities as the Ooni of Ife. I will continue to use my position and influence to strengthen relationships among communities, promote peaceful coexistence and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes Nigeria unique,” the monarch said.

Reflecting on his reign, the Ooni reiterated his commitment to preserving Yoruba culture and traditions while promoting the historical significance of Ile-Ife as the ancestral home of the Yoruba people.

He said he would continue to support initiatives aimed at preserving cultural heritage, strengthening cultural diplomacy and fostering understanding among people across Nigeria, Africa and the international community.

The monarch also highlighted the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, encouraging development and complementing government efforts to improve the living conditions of citizens.

According to him, his activities since ascending the throne have included supporting initiatives focused on youth development, entrepreneurship, community development, cultural preservation and humanitarian services.

He maintained that traditional rulers had an important responsibility to promote dialogue, strengthen relationships among communities and encourage collaboration among leaders for the benefit of society.

The Ooni further emphasised the need to deepen engagement with traditional rulers across Africa and members of the Yoruba diaspora, saying such relationships could strengthen cultural ties and create opportunities for partnerships that would benefit present and future generations.

Addressing Nigerian youths, the monarch urged them to remain hopeful and committed to building a country where justice, economic prosperity and equal opportunities are accessible to all.

“As I celebrate my 52nd birthday, I call on Nigerians, particularly our youths, to remain hopeful and committed to building a country where peace, justice, economic progress and equal opportunities are accessible to all,” he said.

He also called on leaders across different sectors to place the collective interests of the people above personal considerations and work together towards a better Nigeria.