The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has celebrated his 52nd birthday, calling for sustained peace, unity and progress in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni, who clocked 52 on Saturday, October 17, 2026, reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Yoruba cultural heritage, fostering national unity and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
The Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) also called on Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political differences, to embrace peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and collective responsibility as essential ingredients for national development.
He emphasised the need for citizens to work together towards building a country where peace, justice, economic prosperity and equal opportunities remain priorities.
He described his birthday as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of purposeful leadership, service to humanity and the preservation of cultural values.
According to Ooni Ogunwusi, “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.
“I believe that our diversity should be a source of strength rather than division. I therefore urge Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political differences, to embrace mutual understanding, respect and cooperation in the collective pursuit of a united and prosperous nation.
“Throughout my reign, I have remained committed to promoting Yoruba culture and traditions while projecting the historical significance of Ile-Ife as the ancestral home. I will continue to support initiatives that preserve our heritage, strengthen cultural diplomacy and promote understanding among people across Nigeria, Africa and the global community.
“Since ascending the ancient throne of my forebears, I have continued to support initiatives focused on cultural preservation, youth development, entrepreneurship, community development and humanitarian service. I firmly believe that traditional institutions have important roles to play in fostering peace, inspiring development and complementing efforts by government and other stakeholders to improve the lives of our people.
“In my capacity as the Permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, I remain committed to promoting dialogue, strengthening traditional institutions and encouraging collaboration among leaders for the benefit of our communities and the country at large.
“I also recognise the importance of engaging with traditional rulers across Africa and members of the Yoruba diaspora to strengthen our cultural connections, promote our shared heritage and create opportunities for meaningful partnerships that will benefit present and future generations.
“As I celebrate my 52nd birthday, I call on Nigerians, particularly our youths, to remain hopeful and committed to building a country where peace, justice, economic progress and equal opportunities are accessible to all. I urge leaders across every sector to place the collective interests of the people above personal considerations and work together towards a better Nigeria.“