The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, has described the contribution of Chief Obafemi Awolowo to the country’s socio-political development as one that is yet to be equalled and, as a result, Ikenne, his hometown, will continue to be one of the most important and respected Yoruba towns in Nigeria.
Oba Sijuwade stated this on Monday, when the Alakenne of Ikenne in Ogun State, Oba Adeyinka Onakade Moruwafu I, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The Ooni said, “because of the significant contribution of Chief Awolowo to the development of the country, Ikenne is now one of the towns to be reckoned with, since Nigeria’s history cannot be complete without mentioning Papa Awolowo and Papa’s history can also not be complete without mentioning Ikenne, his hometown.
“This shows that Ikenne has a pride of place in Nigeria’s history,” Oba Sijuwade said while congratulating Oba Onakade, his wife, Olori Oluyemisi, the chiefs and the entire Ikenne people for going through the 27-year legal battle for the obaship position without any crisis.
“This is not the same situation in other towns, but for 27 years that the obaship tussle lasted, there was no crisis or violence whatsoever in Ikenne,” the Ooni said.
The royal father advised the chiefs and people of Ikenne to always give the Alakenne the necessary support for the development of the town, while urging the chiefs to always consider the overall interest of the town whenever they gave the king advice.
“You must, at all times, give the Alakenne advice that will benefit the whole town, since it is through the positive impact of the king that his reign will be judged,” Ooni declared.
While thanking the Ooni for the warm reception, the Alakenne of Ikenne, Oba Adeyinka Onakade, expressed his gratitude to God for bringing the 27-year obaship legal battle to an end.
He also thanked the Ooni for his support and prayers throughout the period that the legal battle lasted.
“It is as a result of Ooni’s support, both morally and psychologically, that we are here today to express our sincere gratitude to him and the entire Ife people”, Oba Onakade said, while admitting that Ikenne people are peace-loving, who abhor violence.
“This played out while the 27-year-old legal tussle lasted, as there was no single record of violence or crisis in the town”, the royal father added.
Oba Onakade, who was accompanied to the Ooni’s palace by his wife, Olori Oluyemisi, Ikenne traditional chiefs, community and religious leaders, were treated to Ife traditional music and dance by the palace cultural troupe.
source: www.tribune.com.ng
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