The Ooni of Ife and Co- Chairman of the National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria(NCTRN) Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II has, on Friday, hosted traditional rulers of Yoruba Okun origin residing in Kogi and Kwara states, North Central Nigeria at the ancient Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.
Led by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Dele Owoniyi, the monarch paid the august visit to present the new Elulu of Mopa, Oba (Dr.) Muyiwa Ibeun who recently ascended the throne of his ancestors to the Arole Oduduwa.
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While speaking, the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Dele Owoniyi describe Ile-Ife as the home of all Yoruba people particularly the Okun Origin. He noted that the fact can never be disputed, adding that Ooni Ogunwusi has done so well to give every descendant of Oduduwa an enviable identity and real sense of where they belong anywhere in the world.
“Kabiyesi, we have a lot of work to do for our people with regards to where we found ourselves in modern Nigeria. There are real issues of development deficit which I am sure we can overcome with your might and influence.
“Please be assured that our loyalty to the ancient throne of Oduduwa is never in doubt.” The Obaro of Kabba noted.
Addressing the gathering, the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun thanked the Ooni for his love and support which he said preceded his emergence as a monarch.
“This is homecoming for me and my colleagues here, we are here to thank Your Imperial Majesty as well as commending you for dignifying the prestigious traditional institution.” The Elulu said.
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In the same vein, the Elejuku of Ejuku (Kogi State), explained that most children of Oduduwa of Okun origin are at great disadvantage as they are often regarded as second or third Yoruba.
“Kabiyesi Ooni, we are tired of being referred to as lesser Yoruba because of our location, those who demarcated us in those days did not consult us and that is why they did not factor in our peculiarities.
“We want you to use your connection and position to return us home and reunite us with our kinsmen. We are your children and we cannot afford to be regarded as lesser descendants of Oduduwa.” The monarch noted.
The stance was further emphasized by the Olusin of Isin (Kwara State), Oba Solomon Oloyede who added that the Ooni must not relent in ensuring that all descendants of Oduduwa are in perfect condition at all times.
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Ooni Ogunwusi, while responding to them, explained that the most important thing is for Okun Yorubas to know and note that they are well appreciated by their kinsmen in the western part of the country.
“You are not lesser, second or third Yorubas. You are true descendants of Oduduwa with history of hard work and noble background which I am sure you carry with pride. We shall work together for development, peace and tranquility of our respective domains.” The Ooni said.
