Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to restrain himself from temptation of directing his subjects to support any political aspirant(s), rather he should strike a balance between his role as a royal father and politics in Yorubaland.
Penpushing reports that, Obasanjo gave the advice while speaking during the chieftaincy conferment on Nteranya Sanginga, the Director-General of International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and his wife, Charlotte at his palace in Ile-Ife on Saturday.
“All the sons and daughters of Yoruba land, no matter where they are or their standpoint, will come to meet you. This is expected because you are the father of all. Don’t direct Yoruba people to support any aspirant, as we don’t all go to in the same direction, which is part of our strength in Yoruba land’, Obasanjo emphasised
“Any one of them who says that he is interested in politics, just pray for him and let them go. Anyone who approaches you and says that he wants to be president or governor, just pray for such a person and let him go” he added.
Penpushing further reports that, Obasanjo reminded the monarch that as far as politics was concerned, even in the pre-independence era, the Yoruba usually had two strong sides, cautioning him (Ooni), not to let politicians add to his burden
.The former President commended the royal father for the choice of Sanginga and his wife for the chieftaincy titles, adding that they were both worthy of the honour, expressing optimism that the new chiefs will not disappoint him and Yoruba race.
“I commend Your Imperial Majesty for the bold step taken to honour this distinguished African who has dedicated his life to agriculture, food security and nutrition in Africa. I want to assure you these new chiefs will not disappoint you; that they will not disappoint Ife indigenes and the entire Yoruba race. I know and I am sure that they will live up to the honour that you have bestowed on them,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that, Obasanjo said that the chieftaincy conferment was in recognition of Sanginga’s passion for the development of agriculture in Africa, and urged him to see the honour as a challenge to do more for the continent.
The Ooni of Ife in his remarks at the occasion, appreciated the Director-General of International Institute for Tropical Agriculture(IITA) passion for agricultural development in Africa, expressing confidence that, in spite of the balkanisation of Africa by the Europeans, Africans will continue to remain one and indivisible.
“I’m impressed with your modest achievements as a true son of Africa. You have been doing all within your capacity to ensure food sufficiency in the continent. All through the years, you have developed passion for agriculture and the results are feasible everywhere,” the traditional ruler said.
Penpushing reports that, Sanginga in his acceptance speech, applauded Ooni for the fatherly role he had been playing, not only in Yoruba land, but all over the country, and expresses appreciation for counting him and his wife worthy of the honour.
Meanwhile, Sanginga, a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national, and his wife were honoured with Aare and Yeye Aare Afurugbin-Ola of the Source respectively.
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