Ooni of Ife Pays Royal Visit to Goodluck Jonathan, Hails Ex-President’s Peace Legacy.
His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ọjájá II, recently paid a royal visit to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at his residence in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The meeting between the revered Yoruba monarch and the ex-president shows the enduring bonds of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
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The Ooni’s visit was marked by warm exchanges, cultural reflections, and discussions on fostering national harmony. In his remarks, former President Jonathan expressed deep appreciation for the monarch’s gesture, stating:
“I was deeply honored to host the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ọjájá II, at my home in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.”
“His royal visit and gracious support reflect the enduring unity and mutual respect between our people, a powerful reminder of the importance of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.”
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Ooni and his esteemed entourage for the visit and the royal gifts, which are true symbols of our rich heritage and culture.”
The Ooni, known for his advocacy for national integration, presented Jonathan with symbolic royal gifts, further cementing the cultural ties between the Niger Delta and South-West regions.
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The visit also provided an opportunity to reflect on Jonathan’s legacy as a leader who prioritized Nigeria’s stability above personal ambition. In 2015, he made history by conceding defeat to President Muhammadu Buhari without legal battles or political interference—a rare act in African politics that earned him global recognition as a champion of democracy.
Since leaving office, Jonathan has served as a United Nations Peace Envoy and has been instrumental in mediating conflicts across Africa. His statesmanship continues to inspire, with the Ooni’s visit serving as a testament to his enduring influence as a bridge-builder in Nigeria.
Both leaders emphasized the need for Nigeria’s political and traditional institutions to work together in addressing the nation’s challenges. The Ooni, a vocal advocate for youth empowerment and inter-ethnic dialogue, praised Jonathan’s contributions to national development, particularly his economic reforms that once positioned Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy.
Ooni of Ife Pays Royal Visit to Goodluck Jonathan, Hails Ex-President’s Peace Legacy.
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