82-year-old former president Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday prostrated for the 41-year-old Ooni of Ife as a sign of respect during a visit.
It would be recalled that Ooni Ogunwusi had been visiting Yoruba monarchs as a way of ensuring unity.
Among those visited were the Aalafin of Oyo and Awujale of Ijebuland among others.
Obasanjo spoke yesterday during his visitation to the Ooni’s palace where he was received by prominent traditional rulers in Ile-Ife. In a dramatic move, Obasanjo who was accompanied by other prominent personalities dressed in his Yoruba regalia, prostrated for the Ooni as a sign of respect. While some of those present during the visit expressed surprise at chief Obasanjo’s posturing, others applauded and hailed the former president.
The former president explained that the unity move by the Ooni was important for the progress of Yorubaland. He urged the Ooni not to relent in his move to ensure unity, adding that Ife remained the source of Yorubaland. He said, “I commend the role of Ooni in ensuring peace in Yorubaland. Continue what you are doing, especially your unity course. I am happy with the move taken so far.
“It is only a sign of honour for the Ooni to visit anyone. That does not stop Ile-Ife from its position in the history of Yorubaland.” Obasanjo subsequently prayed for the progress of Ife and Yorubaland. He also apologised for not being present at the Ooni’s coronation.
On his part, the Ooni expressed appreciation for the former president’s visit. Among those present during the visitation were Dr. Femi Okunnu; Femi Majekodunmi; Chief Oyewole Fasaweye, Ayo Balogun and a host of others.
