Ooni turns 52: The message he has for Nigeria’s leaders may get you thinking

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and mutual understanding, urging leaders and citizens to work collectively towards building a prosperous nation.

The traditional ruler made the appeal as he celebrated his 52nd birthday on Saturday, October 17, 2026, reaffirming his commitment to preserving Yoruba cultural heritage, promoting national unity and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

In a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch stressed that ethnic, religious and political differences should not hinder national progress.

Ogunwusi, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, said peaceful coexistence, justice, economic prosperity and equal opportunities were essential to the country’s development.

He described his birthday as an opportunity to reflect on purposeful leadership, service to humanity and the preservation of cultural values.

“Peace and unity remain central to my responsibilities as the Ooni of Ife. I will continue to use my position and influence to strengthen relationships among communities, promote peaceful coexistence and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes Nigeria unique,” he said.

The monarch maintained that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division, calling for greater cooperation among citizens irrespective of their backgrounds.

He also reiterated his commitment to promoting Yoruba culture and traditions while projecting Ile-Ife’s historical significance as the ancestral home of the Yoruba people.

According to him, cultural preservation and diplomacy remain important tools for strengthening relationships among communities across Nigeria, Africa and the global Yoruba diaspora.

Ogunwusi said his reign had also focused on supporting youth development, entrepreneurship, community development and humanitarian initiatives, adding that traditional institutions had important roles to play in promoting peace and complementing government development efforts.

He further emphasised the need for dialogue and collaboration among traditional rulers, describing such partnerships as essential to addressing community challenges and advancing national interests.

The Ooni also highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural connections with traditional rulers across Africa and members of the Yoruba diaspora to create opportunities for meaningful partnerships for present and future generations.

As he marked the milestone, the monarch urged Nigerian youths to remain hopeful and actively contribute to building a country where justice, economic progress and equal opportunities are accessible to all.

He equally called on leaders across all sectors to place the collective interests of the people above personal considerations.

The monarch reaffirmed his resolve to use his traditional position to promote peaceful coexistence, preserve cultural heritage and encourage partnerships that support Nigeria’s long-term development.