The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has congratulated the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja 11, on his 10th coronation anniversary.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Oyo town by Bode Durojaye, the Alaafin said on behalf of other Yoruba traditional rulers, he joined indigenes of Oyo kingdom, Government and the people of Osun State in celebrating the monarch.
Commendation for Commitment and Leadership
Alaafin commended the Ooni for his sense of commitment and resilience in ruling over his people.
He affirmed that the exposure, knowledge and charisma of the Ooni before ascending the position would go a long way in imperacting and expanding the influence of the domain.
According to him, the wisdom, warmth and friendliness of the monarch will continue to translate into peace and civility.
He prayed that Almighty God would bless the Ooni of Ife and grant him more years of fruitful reign.
“Gratitude Nurtures the Soul” — Alaafin
The Alaafin, described as the Titan of Yorubaland, said:
“If gratitude is the great opener of the heart, then Ooni of Ife’s heart should be busted 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.”
Call for Unity Among Monarchs
Oba Owoade used the occasion to call for unity among traditional rulers, stressing that the only way to remain relevant is to be united, sincere and dedicated.
He stated:
“As monarchs, all of us have just three responsibilities. We are saddled with maintenance of 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 Alaafin noted that unity can only be predicated on mutual trust, understanding, reciprocal relations, shared interests, values and aspirations.
He added that unity would best be promoted through tolerance and accommodation of differences, opinions, ethnic, religious, communal and regional identities.
Unity in Diversity, a National Priority
Oba Owoade highlighted that unity in diversity is a core principle of federalism.
He said:
“All federations are required to adhere to, and actively nurture and entrench, expectations associated with this core principle. Nigeria, as a federation with a complex mosaic of diversity need to continue to find, and deploy, ways and means of forging, entrenching and sustaining unity in diversity and national integration.”
Goodwill Message to the Ooni
The Alaafin concluded with a prayerful message:
“Once again, I am wishing the Ooni of Ife more prosperous years ahead.”
