The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has renewed his call for Afro-Brazilians to reconnect with their ancestral homeland in Africa, highlighting the importance of unity, cultural heritage and stronger relations between Brazil and the Yoruba people.
The monarch made the call while congratulating Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, according to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare.
Ogunwusi described Lula as a friend of Africa and expressed hope that his renewed mandate would strengthen cooperation between Brazil and African countries, particularly Nigeria and the Yoruba community.
The Ooni’s Palace recalled the monarch’s five-day visit to Brazil in 2023, when he attended the unveiling of the first edition of Brazil’s National Isese Day following an invitation from the Brazilian president.
During the visit, Ogunwusi introduced initiatives under his “Back To Home” programme, aimed at encouraging Afro-Brazilians to reconnect with their African roots and ancestral communities.
The monarch visited São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Bahia and Brasília, engaging with Brazilian leaders and communities as part of his efforts to promote cultural reconnection and African unity.
Addressing participants during the 2023 engagement, the Ooni urged African descendants to overcome divisions and work together towards shared development.
“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,” he said.
He also assured Afro-Brazilians that they would be welcomed in Ile-Ife, which he described as an ancestral home for people of Yoruba heritage.
“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,” Ogunwusi said.
The palace said the monarch also met privately with Lula in Brasília, where discussions centred on strengthening cultural and trade relations between Brazil and Africa. During the engagement, the Ooni called for direct air links between Nigeria and Brazil to promote commerce, tourism and cultural exchange.
According to the statement, "the Brazilian president expressed appreciation for the Ooni’s efforts to reconnect Afro-Brazilians with their ancestral heritage and reiterated his government’s commitment to stronger relations with Africa, particularly the Yoruba people."
The Ooni said the broader goal was to encourage people of African descent in the diaspora to work alongside communities on the continent for shared progress.
“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,” he said.
Ooni renews call for Afro-Brazilians’ return to ancestral homeland