Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has congratulated Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on his re-election, describing the development as an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation, promote cultural exchange and deepen relations between Africa and Brazil.
Also in the same vein, Ooni Adeyeye congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the revered throne of the Sultanate of Sokoto.
The Ooni’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare.
Ooni, who is widely recognised for his advocacy for African cultural heritage, global Yoruba unity and stronger international relations, extended his congratulations to the Brazilian leader, expressing optimism that his renewed mandate would provide further opportunities to advance mutual understanding and collaboration with Nigeria, Yoruba race and the international community as a whole.
The Ooni emphasised the historical and cultural connections between Africa and Brazil, noting the importance of sustaining relationships that promote shared heritage, people-to-people engagement, economic cooperation and cultural diplomacy.
According to the Ooni, the historical ties between the two regions provide a strong foundation for expanding partnerships in areas such as tourism, education, trade, youth development and the preservation of African cultural identity.
He further stressed the need for world leaders to prioritise peace, unity, inclusive development and constructive dialogue in addressing challenges confronting their respective countries and the international community.
The Ooni expressed confidence that the renewed mandate would offer President Lula an opportunity to consolidate his administration’s development agenda while strengthening Brazil’s engagement with African countries, Oduduwa race to be specific.
He also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between traditional institutions, governments and international organisations in promoting cultural understanding and building bridges across continents.
The Ooni wished President Lula da Silva a successful tenure, expressing hope that his leadership would contribute to Brazil’s continued development and stronger relations between Brazil and African nations.
As part of his unending efforts towards harnessing and promoting the Yoruba culture beyond the shores of Africa, it would be recalled, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was in the year 2023 on a 5-day working visit to Brazil in continuation of his global tour for African People’s Peace and Progress Agenda.
Ooni Ogunwusi in his speech while being hosted by president Lula called for the unity of African descendants across the world, urging the Brazilian parliament to support President Lula with proper pro Africa legislations.
“I am elated that this is becoming a reality, a day where National Orisa Day will be publicly recognized by the Brazilian parliament. We cannot afford to be divided again. We are one, irrespective of colour and race.
“What we need now is to unite for the growth of all persons regardless of religious and cultural differences. We are one people and the earlier we recognize the strength in our unity the better for us all.
“I am sitting on an ancient throne of over hundreds of centuries, a sacred throne of the Kingdom where most of you all migrated from.” Ooni said at the event.
“Beyond here in Brazil, I am delighted to inform you that you all have a home in my Kingdom and there are free lands for you to come, build and reside across Africa. I vow never to forget you; you are a major part of us in my Kingdom of Ile-Ife and we hope to receive you home soon as possible,” he added.
After the parliamentary session, Ooni was received at the Nigeria House in Brasil by the Nigerian Ambassador to the country, Amb. Ahmad Muhammed Makarfi alongside 25 African Diplomats.
The monarch also privately engaged President Lula Da Silva on the need to strengthen cultural and trade ties between Brazil and Africa. At the private meeting held in Brasilia, Brazil’s capital, Ooni proclaimed President Lula and his wife Rosangela Lula Da Silva as Omo Oduduwa.
He also called for direct access to Brazil from Nigeria, which will further promote trade, commerce and cultural exchange between the two countries. President Lula da Silva thanked the Ooni for his love and passion towards reunification of not just the Afro-Brazilians, but also Africans worldwide.
President Lula also reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening the ties between Brazil and Africa, specifically Oduduwa race which is the home continent of his people.
The Ooni highlighted the significant efforts underway to mobilise Afro-Brazilians for a historic return and reconnection with their ancestral lands in Africa.
“This is what we want to see: a journey back home, where our people in the diaspora join hands with their brothers and sisters on the continent to build a better Africa.”
His clarion call is for unity, reconnection and a shared commitment to Africa’s development.
While extending greeting, Ooni Ogunwusi, in the congratulatory message, described the Sultan’s two decades of leadership as a remarkable period of dedication to the promotion of peace, religious harmony, national unity and mutual understanding among Nigerians.
The Ooni who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) commended His Eminence for his exemplary leadership and immense contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria, particularly through his consistent advocacy for peaceful coexistence among people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
According to the Ooni, the Sultan of Sokoto has remained a distinguished symbol of wisdom, courage and responsible leadership, using his highly respected position to advance the cause of unity and foster dialogue across the country.
Ooni Ogunwusi further acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the traditional institutions of Ile-Ife and Sokoto, noting that Nigeria’s unity and progress require the continued collaboration of traditional and religious leaders in promoting peace and stability.
“As Your Eminence marks this historic milestone of 20 years on the throne, I join your family, the Sultanate Council, the government and good people of Sokoto State, as well as the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah, in celebrating a life of purposeful leadership and outstanding service to humanity,” the Ooni said.
The Ooni prayed that Almighty Olodumare would continue to grant the Sultan good health, greater wisdom and strength to continue his invaluable service to the nation and humanity.
He wished His Eminence many more years of fruitful leadership on the throne, while expressing optimism that his enduring commitment to peace, unity and national development would continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.