BOLA BAMIGBOLA
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed concern over division among the black race.
He called for unity among conflicting interests to promote development.
Spokesperson for the Ooni, Moses Olafare, in a statement, said the royal father stated this in his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, when he received an Igbo monarch, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, from Anambra State.
Oba Ogunwusi stated that the Igbo used to live in Ile-Ife, adding that they also had cultural affinity with the Yoruba.
The Ooni of Ife, who charged historians to deepen their research regarding African history to unearth many hidden facts, reiterated that cultural affinity existed between the Igbo and the Yoruba.
He added, “Africa must unite for peace and progress across board. I am sure that if the Igbo and their Yoruba brothers come together, Africa will unite.
“I am happy to receive you all and I must say that today is one of my happiest moments on the throne. I feel proud of you on your achievements within the last 42 years on the throne of your ancestors.
“I have been having sleepless nights because my ancestors have been visiting me that Black race must unite. This coincided with my mandate of peace and unity that I have preached around the globe. No race should be left behind.”
In his speech titled ‘Royal Handshake from Across The Niger’, Eze Eri commended the roles played by the Ooni in strengthening the relationship between the Yoruba and the Igbo.
He urged the Ooni not to relent until all conflicting interests in Africa were united.
The monarch said, “Thank you your imperial majesty, we have been projecting this historical dimension, though not using your platform and since you have echoed same from a different angle, there seems to be some kind of historical treasure hidden somewhere about the relationship between the Yoruba and Igbo.
“One of the best ways to unravel this mystery is to encourage inter-ethnic visits especially during cultural activities.”
He also used the occasion to invite Ooni to the forthcoming Eri festival slated for November in Aguleri, Anambra State.