I’ll pursue Yoruba unity with passion — Ooni
Oba Ogunwusi said disunity in the ranks of the race, due to political differences among other sundry issues have denied the Yoruba race its leadership role in the country’s political and economic sectors, despite the intellectual power and material resources available to the race.
The royal father made the statement at the weekend while playing host to members of the Afenifere Renewal Group, led by its National Chairman, Hon Wale Oshun, at his palace in Ile Ife, Osun State.
Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Correspondents’ Chapel, Ekiti chapter, also paid similar visit to the revered monarch on the same day.
Oba Ogunwusi described the Southwest as very pivotal to the peace and unity of the country, because of its complexity in human resources and being the commercial hub of the nation.
The monarch added that his interest in unity in the zone was propelled by his love for development and for protection of Yoruba history, as those who have a penchant for excellence and should be at the forefront when critical decisions are being taken, rather than taking a back seat.
“When I came onto this throne through divine favour, I promised to work with all like-minded Yoruba persons to move the Southwest up in all spheres.
“I have been following the trends for some time and I realized that Yoruba is critical to Nigeria’s survival. Whatever happens in this zone always affect others, so I believe that if we can ensure peace here, we will get development and Nigeria and even the entire world will be at peace.
“Yoruba is having problems today because of lack of unity. This is the time we must assess the past, the present and make projection for the future. We must learn how to work together regardless of our differences because each ethnic group has a unique power that distinguishes it from others,” he said.