Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has applauded the peace initiative of the Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, describing him as a major stakeholder responsible for the peace and tranquility currently being enjoyed in Nigeria.
Represented by the Minister of Interior and former Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the President made the commendation on Saturday before the mammoth crowd that gathered at the Ile Oodua Palace of Ife, Osun State.
To celebrate the annual Olojo festival in the ancient city with the African foremost monarch, people of the kingdom and the Oduduwa race worldwide, Buhari advised Nigerians to be sensitive to their security and not leave everything for security agents.
According to the President, “We are collectively responsible for provision of security. The government will do its own while the people should also support the security agencies. We should report any suspicious move or person in our environment to the security agents.
“I appreciate Ooni’s effort in ending insecurity in Nigeria. Collectively, we will end insecurity in Nigeria.”
On the annual festival, the President recalled that Olojo and other festivals in Yoruba land in the olden days are used to showcase harvest and productivity in the agricultural sector and not just for fun or merriment.
“Olojo festival was an event in the olden days to showcase farm produce, profits made in farming and agriculture at large.
“It will gladen my heart if Nigerians could restore the old glory of farming; this Olojo festival too should also bring back the old days of showcasing farm produce, hardwork and good character.
“The festival should not be for merriment alone. Merriment should come after work. There should not be merriment without work. Working is the antidote to poverty.” Aregbesola said.
In his statement, Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of (NCTRN) reflected on the economic and security state of the nation with a vow to remain steadfast and committed to preserving the Oduduwa legacy of festivals like Olojo to inspire the economic and security solutions for Nigeria and Africa using cultural tourism as veritable tools.
“Anchoring the mantle of the Olojo Festival is the ideal fit for mending our nation’s brokenness. When we turn on the news, read the newspaper, or look at our social media feeds, we see brokenness.
“We are a broken people in a broken country. We are under broken political systems, governance, education, healthcare, security, religion, etc.
“Through the lenses of our existence, we don’t have to look far to see brokenness which is reflected in our interactions, conversations, sense of recognition and support for our young people.
“Olojo dispenses the rich nuances of the past as well as the unforgettable contributions of our forefathers to our existence and greatness.
“At this historic intersection, our traditions and heritage have given birth to modernity and will continue to lighten our paths from darkness. I’m steadfastly committed to preserving, inspiring, and distinctively igniting a desire for the sustenance of their age-old meaning as they continue to serve as our precious treasures.” Ooni said.
In the same vein, Osun State Governor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, congratulated descendants of Oduduwa for witnessing the prominent festival, commending the Ooni for preserving the prestigious Yoruba culture.
Represented by his Deputy, Benedict Adegboyega Alabi, the Governor said, “As a government, we remain committed to our electioneering promises and we won’t renege on our pledge to make life better for all.”
Similarly, the Nigeria’s Ambassador to Jamaica and the Caribbean, Ambassador (Mrs.) Maureen Tamuno, stated that a lot of people in the diaspora particularly in the Caribbean have traced their roots back to Nigeria and festivals like Olojo will be instrumental to reuniting them with their kinsmen.
The event which was witnessed by numerous traditional rulers, chiefs, business tycoons, political office holders, international tourists and observers from countries like Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica and America, had the Ooni who was flanked by his beautiful queen, Olori Mariam Ajibola Ogunwusi and members of the royal (Giesi) family at the centre of the crowd.
Olojo festival connotes a strong indication of God’s creation and the day of the first dawn on earth, it is celebrated annually in Ile-Ife by all descendants of Oduduwa globally.