His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), visited Ghana on 21st July 2016 . Hosted by President John Mahama and his government the goal of the visit is to prioritise the unity of Africans by relaxing policies that encourage the physical and mental boundary set between African countries by the colonial masters.
While visiting President John Mahama at the Flagstaff House Office in Accra, during the four day official visit. Ooni Ogunwusi stated :
“Africa must unite for prosperity as his mission is to promote peace, unity and progress of the black race. It is my vision as Ooni to promote unity and peace among African countries.”
“As traditional leaders we are the custodians of culture and tradition, that’s why I have taken it upon myself to preach this gospel of peace, and unity. There’s strength in unity, and it’s time for Africa to go beyond lip service and unite”.
“Also, we have Nigerian investors here, and Ghanaian businessmen in Nigeria, but Nigeria craves for more investors from Ghana to further boost economic integration between the two countries.
President John Mahama while thanking Ooni Ogunwusi for choosing Ghana as the first African country to benefit his gospel of peace and unity stressed the importance of traditional rulers in governance.
He remarked “ traditional rulers play a key role in ensuring peace and order in our society. Your Majesty, thank you so much for making me so lucky to be the first African leader to host you outside Nigeria as this will remain indelible in our minds of our people being the first African country eat from your pot of peace and unity. Here in Ghana, we partner with traditional rulers because our constitution recognises traditional rulers, that’s why we have House of Chiefs, and this has really helped the nation keep its cultural heritage”.
“Ghana and Nigeria have enjoyed brotherly relationship which is strategic. We have collaborated together in so many ways of course both of us having been colonized by Great Britain. This has helped us brothers not only on political matters but also on economy which is evident in the presence of Nigerian investors in Ghana’s economy especially banking, insurance, media, telecoms, cement productions. I once again thank the Ooni for taking interest in us which I believe will further cement the diplomatic and economic relationship between the two countries.”
In her vote of thanks, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa who was part of the delegation praised President Mahama and the good people of Ghana for recognising the Ooni’s peace and unity vision for Africa and honouring the Nigerian king with so much befitting reception and further advocated for a deeper bond between two countries.
Ooni Ogunwusi presented cultural gifts that represent peace, as the country prepares for the impending elections. President Mahama too presented a gift of applications to Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi in return.
On the entourage, notable Yoruba monarchs and Ife Highchiefs , Aseyin of Iseyin , HRM Oba Abduganiyu Adekunle, Jegun of Okitipupa HRM Oba Adetoye Obatuga , Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa ,HRM Oba Michael Ajayi Odunayo, Akogun of Ife Chief Muraina Adedoyin and Arode of Ife Chief Jimoh Awe.
Others included SEA to President Buhari on Foreign Affairs Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, owner of NairaBet a Nigerian lottery company Ayo Ojuroye and wife Olasimbo, broadcaster Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, SA to Ooni on Special Duties Akin Daodu, Senior Business Executive Jide Fadairo and a host of others.
