The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi ,Ojaja II, has called for a more united Yoruba race, saying God is unhappy the race is disunited.
The monarch disclosed on Thursday 14th January 2016 while playing host to the members of Yoruba Unity Forum ,YUF, led by its vice chairman, Reverend Emmanuel Bolanle Gbonigi, at his Ile Oodua palace.
Oba Ogunwusi averred that Yorubaland is dear to God, stressing that the Supremely Being is not happy because of disunity and supremacy battle people of the race.
He added that there was critical need for love and unity among people of the race to enhance development, insisting that: "if there is unity in Yorubaland, there would be unity and peace in the whole world.
"I am passionate about Yoruba's interest. The work for Yoruba unity has commenced because it is ordained by God and our ancestors. Traditional rulers are closer to the people than government. With unity of purpose, we would record resounding success in all our activities.
"I have been closer to Yoruba Obas since my days as a prince and after becoming the king, I have extended hands of fellowship to them and we have been building bridge of unity across seeming barriers".
He emphasised the need to foster unity and love among the Yoruba race, noting that the history of the race would be incomplete without adequate mentioning of the enviable contributions of Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his wife, Yeye Oodua, Late Chief ,Mrs, H.I.D Awolowo".
Speaking earlier, the vice chairman of YUF, Rev Gbonigi said the group was conscious of the fact that one of the most sacred duties of the royal father is protection, preservation and sustenance of Yoruba unity and culture and see such as being in conformity with the objectives of the Yoruba Unity Forum.
Declaring Oba Ogunwusi as the patron of YUF, the clergy recalled that his immediate past predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade gave full backing and support to the group in realising its objectives, just as he served as its patron.
He further observed that Yoruba unity would remain elusive as long as Yoruba Obas continue to harbour animosities against one another, prompted in part by the needless struggle for supremacy.
Eminent Nigerians and members of the YUF that accompanied Rev Gbonigi on the visit include; Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Professor Muibi Opeloye, Professor Opeoluwa Adekunle, Chief (Mrs) Bola Doherty, Chief Toye Ogunsuyi, Hon Tunde Oladapo, Senator Anthony Adefuye, Chief (Mrs) Kofoworola Bucknor Akerele, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Dr Kunle Olajide, among others.
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