Ooni of Ife calls for Yoruba unity, as Olomu visits palace

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called for unity among the Yorubas, saying that religious practice doesn’t affect cultural sustainability.

Ogunwusi made the call when the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti, led other Chiefs to visit him at his palace in Ile-Ife on Wednesday.

Ooni praised Olomu for his exemplary leadership style over the years on the throne of his forefathers which has brought more development to the town and its environs.

Receiving the Olomu, flanked by his queen, Agboluwaje Adeoti, Chiefs and other dignitaries from Omu-Aran, Ooni admonished that Africans and indeed Nigerians should not dispose their cultural heritage on the basis of confliction with religion.

The traditional ruler said there are differences between religion and culture, which must be carefully studied and practiced with one not encroaching on the other.

He commended the Olomu and his team for visiting their source, saying he was aware of their rich cultural heritage, but with caution not to throw them away for civilization or religion.

The Ooni said that Oba Adeoti portrayed real virtues of Oduduwa, adding that their visit would bring development and sustainability to their home town.

Ogunwusi pledged his support to the Olomu to ensure the establishment and completion of the University of Omu-Aran.

Earlier, the Olomu had described Ooni as a wonderful father whose leadership style remains immeasurable.

He said that history had it that his fore-fathers left the Cradle of Yorubas about 600 years ago to fend their own kingdom and none of the Ooni’s has visited them at home (Omu-Aran) except, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

“I decided to come here to have a feel of home and I am convinced that this is my home and my root.

“I am happy and excited to tap from the Grace endowed on Your Royal Majesty and I pray that this shall be the beginning of good things and cordial relationship between us,” he stated.

The  highlight of the event is the performance by palace cultural dancers, and drummers, among others.