Traditional rulers from Yoruba speaking parts of Kogi and Kwara states have appealed to Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi to help reunite them with their kinsmen in Yoruba land.
The monarch made the appeal when they paid the Ooni visit at the ancient Ile Oodua palace, Ile-Ife, on Friday.
Led by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Dele Owoniyi, the monarchs presented the new Elulu of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun who recently ascended the throne of his ancestors to the Arole Oduduwa.
In his opening address, the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Dele Owoniyi described Ile-Ife as the undisputed home of all Yoruba people particularly those of Okun origin, adding that Ooni Ogunwusi has done so well in giving all descendants of Oduduwa an enviable identity and real sense of belonging anywhere in the world.
“Kabiyesi, we have a lot of work to do for our people with regards to where we found ourselves in modern Nigeria. There are real issues of development deficit which I am sure we can overcome with your might and influence.
“Please be assured that our loyalty to the ancient throne of Oduduwa is never in doubt,” the Obaro of Kabba noted.
Addressing the gathering, the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun thanked the Ooni for his love and support which he said preceded his emergence as a monarch.
“This is homecoming for me and my colleagues here, we are here to thank Your Imperial Majesty as well as commending you for dignifying the prestigious traditional institution,” the Elulu said.
In the same vein, the Elejuku of Ejuku (Kogi State), explained that most children of Oduduwa of Okun origin are at great disadvantage as they are often regarded as second or third Yoruba.
“Kabiyesi Ooni, we are tired of being referred to as lesser Yoruba because of our location, those who demarcated us in those days did not consult us and that is why they did not factor in our peculiarities.
“We want you to use your connection and position to return us home and reunite us with our kinsmen. We are your children and we cannot afford to be regarded as lesser descendants of Oduduwa,” the monarch noted.
The stance was buttressed by the Olusin of Isin (Kwara State), Oba Solomon Oloyede, who added that the Ooni must not relent in ensuring that all descendants of Oduduwa are in perfect condition at all times.
Responding to the visiting monarchs and their subjects, Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) explained that the most important thing is for Okun Yorubas to know and note that they are well appreciated by their kinsmen in the western part of the country.
“You are not lesser, second or third Yorubas. You are true descendants of Oduduwa with history of hard work and noble background which I am sure you carry with pride. We shall work together for development, peace and tranquility of our respective domains,” the Ooni said.
