Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) has advised President John Mahama of Ghana and his government to prioritise the unity of Africans by relaxing policies that encourage the physical and mental boundary set among African countries by the colonial masters. Ogunwusi said the emphasis should be how to unite Africa and ensure the prosperity of the people.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who is on a four-day visit to the West African country made this statement at the Flagstaff House Office of the President of Ghana during a courtesy call on President John Mahama in Accra.
“It’s my vision as Ooni Ife to promote unity, peace among African countries. Africa must unite to prosper”, he added.
Emphasising on the importance of African unity, Ooni of Ife who’s a descendent of Oduduwa believed to have been the root of all Yoruba race, stressed that unity among African countries and blacks around the world is the key to Africa’s prosperity and peace.
He added: “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”.
The Ooni, commenting on the bond between the two countries, and the need to do more, described Nigeria-Ghana as countries with similarities in culture and tradition.
“Also, we have Nigerian investors here, and Ghanaian businessmen in Nigeria, but Nigeria crave for more investors from Ghana to further boost economic integration between the two countries.
On his part, President John Mahama described himself as very lucky to be the first African president outside Nigeria to host the foremost African monarch who is globally known as “king of peace and unity”.
Mahama, while thanking the Ooni for choosing Ghana as the first African country to benefit from his gospel of peace and unity, stressed the importance of traditional rulers in governance.
