The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has advised the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to remain focused and vigilant against detractors.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Ooni made this known on Sunday during a visit to Oba Ladoja’s residence on Ondo Street, Bodija, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Ooni urged Ladoja to be discerning, stressing that not everyone who visits him comes with good intentions.
He said, “Not everyone who pays you a visit comes with good intentions. Be discerning, Kabiyesi. Your journey to this throne was divine, and you must not be distracted by those who may envy your grace.”
The Ooni also described Oba Ladoja as “a father of all,” noting that his ascension to the Olubadan throne represented a turning point for Yoruba traditional leadership.
He said, “Oba Ladoja is not just a leader; he is a father figure whose wealth of experience, calmness and depth of wisdom are needed now more than ever.
“Ibadan is not just another Yoruba city. It is a cradle of strength and resilience. Some Oonis once stayed here, and that places this land in an enviable spiritual and cultural position.”
Calling for a united front among Yoruba monarchs, the revered monarch urged traditional rulers to eschew rivalry, backbiting, and unhealthy power struggles.
He added, “We cannot afford division among ourselves. If we fail to unite, we fail our ancestors and our people. Let us build, not break. Let us lead by example and leave legacies of peace and dignity.”
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