The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll, recalls how the new Soun Of Ogbomoso, HRM, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III, showed preference for being a Pastor rather than being a king.
This came to light last week’s Wednesday when the Soun visited the ancient Ile-Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, on a courtesy visit to the Ooni.
The Soun described the Ooni as a rallying point for all monarchs, particularly those of Yoruba origin, according to a statement by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace.
Speaking, the Soun said: “God is great! I once hosted the Ooni in company of several other Yoruba Obas in Washington USA about six or seven years ago when I never even dreamt of becoming a king in my life, but see what God has done, I hosted Ooni as a Prince seven years ago, now I am being hosted as a King by the same Ooni.
“Long before I ascended this throne, I have always admired the conduct of the Ooni and I cannot but say that he (the Ooni) has a lot to teach all Obas across Yoruba land and the entire Oduduwa race.
“I have come home today, because Ile-Ife is our collective ancestral home in Yorubaland and Ooni is unquestionably the Natural Head of all the traditional rulers in Yorubaland and the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.
“I am so happy to have witnessed the huge cultural displays here today because I believe this cannot be found elsewhere. We have ours in Ogbomoso too and your preservation of the prestigious Yoruba heritage is a motivation for us to even do more in that regard.
“We are all proud in Yorubaland to have migrated from Ile-Ife, the source where it all began and Ooni Ogunwusi has been a monarch with a difference particularly in the area of culture preservation. At times, I wondered how he does everything so easily.”
In his welcome address, Ooni Ogunwusi, who described the new Soun as a king divinely made by the Almighty God, declared that Ogbomoso remained an important ancient city in Yoruba land with immeasurable economic and historical significance.
“I remember about eight years ago when we met in the US during your days as a clergyman, everyone around you testified to your upright and down to earth nature.
“ I jokingly asked you to come home and join us in the traditional institutions; but you swiftly rejected the offer. You said you were a Pastor and we should just leave you as that. Now see what God has done.
“I am confident that your emergence as the Soun of Ogbomoso will be beneficial to the ancient city and our race in general.”
Ooni Ogunwusi who used the medium to advocate for unity across the country particularly in Yoruba land, commended traditional rulers nationwide for their efforts in ensuring that the country remained united for the betterment of all.
