Former President Goodluck Jonathan has extolled the leadership qualities of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, saying the duo are vital to the unity and stability of Nigeria.
A statement Sunday by the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, quoted the former Nigeria leader as saying this weekend when he played host to the Ooni at his country home in Otuoke, Bayelsa state.
He said at critical times, the federal government was always consulting with the duo in view of their influence and stature.
Jonathan said: “The Ooni of Ife is a great gift to Africa. Whenever the federal government wants to engage with traditional rulers, the two most prominent they call are the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife.”
“These are highly revered kings in the country. When I was President, the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria had the Sultan and the Ooni as permanent co-chairmen—Sultan representing the North, and the Ooni representing the South. That tells you the pedigree of the Ooni in Nigerian kingship,” added the former president.
The former president also recalled with nostalgia his personal fondness for Osun state, where, according to him, he undertook his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, specifically in Iresi.
During the visit, the statement also said the Ife monarch had an audience with Governor Douye Diri and members of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers in Yenagoa.
Addressing the council, the monarch who underscored the importance of national unity, said: “We have no other country but Nigeria. For Nigeria to progress, we must embrace peace, and peace cannot exist without unity of purpose. This is where traditional rulers must support the government.
“Let us guide our subjects responsibly, so the government’s developmental policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda can positively impact lives across the country. Cross-cultural communication and visits like this are essential.”
Receiving Oba Ogunwusi, the governor described him as a symbol of national unity and dignity, saying: “Your Majesty, the government and people of Bayelsa deeply admire you. Your visit is a great honour, and we would be pleased to host you again later this year as our Special Royal Father of the Day during the 29th anniversary of our state’s creation.”
“You have conducted yourself with royal dignity and majestic humility, which we all greatly respect. Our traditional rulers hold you in the highest esteem,” he said.