Aregbesola, Ooni, Tejuoso Sue For Peace Among Yoruba

Staff September 29, 2013

The Yoruba people within and outside the country have been called upon to embrace peace and promote unity among themselves, so as to fast track development in all parts of Yoruba nation.
Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade and the Osile Oke Ona Egba, Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso, Karunwi III made this call, on Friday, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during the Odun Oranmiyan lecture, held at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, with the theme, “What is in a name?”
Aregbesola, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Moshood Olelakan Adeoti, while speaking on “Celebrating Yoruba’s common heritage, forging common front,” stated that celebrating culture should serve as bond of unity and rally point for all Yoruba people, noting that in celebrating Oranmiyan, “we’re identifying with the character of Oranmiyan, who had adept leadership qualities, virtues of compassion, which leaders of today should emulate”.
The governor said the enviable qualities in Oranmiyan made him to adopt him as his campaign symbol. This, according to him, enabled him to defeat his strong enemies during his tussle for governorship.
The Ooni of Ife, highlighted the importance of understanding history in sustaining and strengthening bonds of unity and harmony and not division. He also stated, “knowing the past helps us to understand the culture of today. The celebration of our cultural heritage helps us to sustain our own cultural identity,” and commended the governments in Yoruba states.
in “assisting in maintaining the cultural identity and strengthening the emotional, cultural and spiritual bonds that bind them to their origin, Ile-Ife, the Source.”
Sijuwade cautioned against the bastardization and politicisation of Yoruba tradition and culture and enjoined children to recognise, respect and appreciate their cultural heritage. He also tasked tourists to visit Ife to see the symbols of ancient Oranmiyan paraphernalia of office including his Opa Oranmiyan among others.
Oba Tejuoso, enjoined all Yorubas to stop all wars and needless bickering and rivalries capable of derailing meaningful progress.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE