Ooni’s Disposition, Historic Visit to Alaafin of Oyo Attest to Youth’s Leadership Capacity

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi 

The recent visit by the newly-crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on his 45^th coronation anniversary which was the first in the history of Ife monarchy since 1937 was indeed remarkable and commendable.

The Ooni who was crowned last year outstandingly broke the first protocol when he subjected himself by bowing down during a church service in acknowledgement of his position as a creature instead of equating himself as the creator. 
The action generated both criticisms and eulogy from diverse quarters. However, he did not mince words to address the issues stating that the supreme leader is the Almighty and therefore holds no apologies for those that were disappointed over his submission to God adding audaciously that he would not hesitate to do the same all over.

It would be recalled that following a supremacy battle which lingered between the Alaafin and Ooni monarchy over the years and manifested visibly during the reign of Oba Okunade Sijuade, cordial relationship was thwarted and disenchanted among the two monarchs. The squabbles had climaxed to the extent that the two monarchs existed in isolation without any form of reverence to each other.

Amazingly, the new Ooni who has since his coronation maintained exemplary and decorous tendencies selflessly embarked on an “uninvited” visit to celebrate with the Alaafin despite his office simply because, the decision was in the overall interest of the Yoruba nation. Indeed, this is remarkable and incontrovertible substantiation that youths are more vibrant to lead.

“It is a new dawn for all Yoruba sons and daughters around the globe. We are friends and not enemies. I am here today though not invited but as the Arole Oduduwa, the onus is on me tom felicitate with all sons and daughters wherever they are and to show my solidarity for any of them. I am ready to damn any consequences or insinuations from anywhere; my mission here is to preach peach among the Yoruba, both home and abroad and I am ready to work with the Aalafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi, to project the unity and love which we believe is existing in the days of our forefathers,” Ooni exuberantly said.

To the host who was explicitly flabbergasted, it was epoch-making putting into consideration the courage of the Ooni to undertake such trip on his volition which is usually rare with among the monarchs. Enthusiastically, he said, “May your reign be long, ooni. I am happy with Ooni Ogunwusi’s moves to unite all Yoruba Obas. This special visit was done last in March 1937, that was the first time the kings inn Yorubaland met in Oyo town. Today, history was made with the visit of Arole of Oodua Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and I feel delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with you. I had a close relationship with Ooni Adesoji Aderemi and I did not want to relent my bound with any Ooni of Ife that assumed the post, but everybody has his own little differences.”

Extensively, Ooni’s ebullient dispositions so far attest to the intellectual capacity and exceptional leadership qualities inherent among the youths in the country, not just only in the traditional sphere but also in political and corporate governance. Nevertheless, Ooni should use his good office to preach for unity and peace beyond Yorubaland but across the entire nation. Evidently, the outstanding achievements in the private sector are traceable to the youths; hence, if more opportunities are made available particularly in the leadership of the country, no doubt, excellent results would auspiciously occur.

Incontrovertibly, the youths of the nation over the years have been subjected to excruciating marginalization by the grossly conservative older generation or rather; statesmen whose major interests aggregately rest on self-empowerment at the detriment of the society. Though, the present administration of President Mohammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo is quite excusable knowing that it is a child of necessity due to undeniable absence of a viable foundation upon which the youths can proceed from. Its purpose is neither enigmatic nor ambiguous.  Ooni Ogunwusi is therefore a quintessential of a resourceful Nigerian youth who could be trusted with leadership and civic responsibilities.