The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has cautioned Nigerians against divisive tendencies that may jeopardize the unity of purpose of the country as laid down by the founding fathers.
He specifically called on Nigerians to see diversity in culture as a strength to foster togetherness and peace in the country.
He spoke at the grand finale of the annual Amasekumo festival of the Gbaramatu people of Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Ooni who is the co-chairman of the Traditional Council in Nigeria, commended the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, for sustaining the cultural practice of his people.
He noted that the nation is blessed with so much diversity stressing that the strength of the country is from the culture.
“The strength is from our heritage, tradition and that’s why I don’t joke with it because it fosters unity, togetherness and peace.
“I have read from history of this festival and the effect of it. Any time, from time immemorial, once it is done, you will start to reap bountifully.
“On behalf of all traditional rulers that are here today, we want to continue to associate with things like this, things of very strong heritage, festivals of very strong culture and tradition. This is the only thing that binds us together, nothing but this. This is the real cement of our nation.
“A nation with so much diversity, and the strength is only from our culture, the strength is only from our heritage, the strength is only from our tradition. And that’s the reason why I don’t joke with it, because it fosters unity, it fosters togetherness, and it fosters peace.
“These are things we need to continue to teach our generation and generation yet to come. We don’t have any other country, this is our country, we have to make it right. We should continue to see the good times and good sides of our nation, and the good side of our nation is this diversity in our culture.” the Ooni added.
The monarch praised the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom for their warm hospitality and prayed that the kingdom and its sons whom he described as “very good”, continue to prosper so they can contribute more to its development.
“Your Majesty, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom. It is a great honour to always be in the midst of the entire Gbaramatu Kingdom people. I love your people; your people are full of honour.
“I remember the last time I came here, you gave me very warm reception. I went back to my kingdom and the entire Yoruba Nation to inform my people that I will come to Gbaramatu Kingdom over and over again for us to actually foster unity of our dear nation, for us to continue to foster peace of our dear Nigeria as a nation.
“On behalf of all traditional rulers, I want to congratulate you once again for your warm reception and I want to thank all your sons; they have been wonderful. All your sons. I cannot even start to mention names. They have been very very wonderful and have been supportive across board. May God continue to bless you”, he said.
The traditional ruler was among other traditional royal fathers in the Niger Delta and from across the country, as well as top dignitaries that were in attendance at the grand finale of the week-long festival that began on April 12.
Other dignitaries at the festival include the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri; Government Ekpemupolo, some members of the Senate and House of Representatives, Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Amnesty, Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
