By Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi(Ojaja II) has been honoured with an award of recognition by the Black congressional caucus of the American House of Representatives at the Capitol building in Washington DC.
The award certificate which was presented to the African monarch on behalf of all the members of the caucus by the congresswoman Maxine Walters representing 43rd District of California was said to be in recognition of the King’s efforts at promoting peace and unity in Africa.
“Your Majesty, this reception and special award is in recognition of you not only for being the 51st Ooni of Ife but also because as the paramount spiritual head of the Yoruba people worldwide and the Custodian of Yoruba Culture whose service to mankind, advocacy of global peace and promoting unity with focus on Africa is most deserving of the respect, admiration and commendation of the United States Congress which is why we are all here today.
We also commend you for your work toward improving the quality of life for individuals and families in Nigeria and around the world”. Congresswoman Waters said. Responding, the monarch described the black congressmen and women as pure Africans with pure love for Africa. He thanked them for the honour which would go a long way in giving him the joy of origination and charged them never to hesitate to support the people and leadership of the continent which was their ancestral home whenever the need arose.
“I am proud of you all for your love for Africa. You have demonstrated to me here today that you’re purely Africans with pure love to Africa. You have given me the joy of origination which is the greatest joy. I promise to always work for you and look after you all as my responsibility but please don’t relent in your love for Africa and never hesitate to support the people and leadership of Africa whenever the need arises. Thank you and God bless”. Ooni Ogunwusi said.
Those who accompanied the king to the reception were his queen Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi (Yeyelua), her Polo boss uncle Chief Obayuwana and the king’s eldest brother Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi. Others are HRM Alaraoodaye of Ara-Ife Oba Segun Layade, the chairman of Central Association of Nigerians in the UK Babatunde Loye, Professor Jeleel Ojuade of the University of Ilorin, Barrister Lanre Alli, Eniola Fayose, Rotimi Osobemekun, a business magnate Kola James, the rest are Oyeyem Oriowo (Sarun Oodua) Lori Iwarefa Chief Dotun Aworeni, Idowu Salami(Traditional Secretary) Moses Olafare(Media director) Tiamiyu Solomon and a host of others.
