Ooni Hosts Asari Dokubo, Strengthens Cultural Ties Ahead Of Coronation

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 hosted the Amanyanabo of the Source, Elem-Kalabari, Torusarama-Piri, in Rivers State, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

 

The visit provided an opportunity for the Kalabari monarch to formally invite the Ooni to the forthcoming Se Diye (Coronation) ceremony scheduled for December 19, 2026, in Buguma, Rivers State.

The development was disclosed 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.

Speaking during the visit, Dokubo-Asari, also known as Da Amakiri Tubo, emphasised the importance of fostering cordial relationships among traditional rulers, noting that traditional institutions remain vital to community development, conflict resolution and the preservation of cultural heritage.

He acknowledged the Ooni’s distinguished leadership and commitment to peace, unity and responsible traditional stewardship, describing the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among traditional institutions across Nigeria.

Responding, the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) expressed appreciation for the visit and the invitation to the forthcoming coronation, describing the engagement as a welcome development in the pursuit of stronger relationships among traditional rulers from different parts of the country.

The Ooni stressed the importance of cooperation among traditional institutions in promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse cultural communities.

He also expressed his desire to establish stronger cultural, historical and economic ties between Elem Kalabari and Ile-Ife, noting that sustained engagement between traditional institutions could promote a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse cultural identities and shared heritage.

Speaking warmly about his guest, the Ooni described Dokubo-Asari as a fearless personality, adding humorously that “the fear of Asari Dokubo is the beginning of wisdom.”

He commended him for the wisdom and maturity with which he had handled his affairs since ascending the throne, noting that effective traditional leadership requires courage, prudence and a commitment to the welfare of the people.

The Ooni also expressed appreciation for Dokubo-Asari’s goodwill and relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging the importance of constructive relationships among traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders in advancing peace and national development.

He further reiterated the importance of strengthening historical and cultural connections among Nigeria’s traditional institutions, stressing that such relationships could serve as a bridge for promoting unity and cooperation across ethnic and geographical boundaries.

As a mark of honour and goodwill, the Ooni presented a bronze artwork to Dokubo-Asari during the visit.

Explaining the significance of the gift, the Ooni noted that it symbolised the importance of the people to a leader, emphasising that the strength of any traditional institution ultimately rests on the support, loyalty and well-being of the people it serves.