* AS MONARCHS REITERATE PLACE OF PEACE, UNITY IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
By John Odunayo
The two-day visit of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and prominent Southwest traditional rulers to Daura in Katsina State was yet another time to build the blocks of unity and development in the country.
The trip led by Ooni having prominent Southwest traditional rulers including the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo; and the Alara of Ilara Epe (Lagos State), Oba Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo saw them visiting former President, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar.
The historic royal trip, which spoke volumes of the fact that the unity and prosperity of Nigeria is not negotiable, provided yet another opportunity for meaningful discussions between the revered monarchs and the former President on key issues essential to Nigeria’s continued development.
An elated Ooni, speaking during the visit to Buhari, expressed his admiration for how the retired soldier and former president was enjoying grace in retirement at his Daura home-town.
Oba Ogunwusi, who said the former president was looking much younger than his age, said, “The former president, Buhari, is remarkably, in high spirits during our meeting. He appears 30 years younger right now.
“I can happily tell the whole of Nigeria that he (Buhari) is living super well. If you see him, you will be completely shocked at how relaxed and vibrant he is, radiating good spirits. He looks remarkably younger than his age, and God has truly blessed him with renewed good health,” the Ooni said.
Oba Ogunwusi stressed the importance of maintaining strong connections with Nigeria’s leaders, saying, “These relationships are essential for cultivating a more unified nation capable of fostering growth and prosperity for all its citizens”.
Excited over the royal visit, Buhari appreciated the first class monarchs, saying the Southwest traditional rulers were the first to visit him after leaving office, assuring them that he would not take it for granted, but relish it as a rare privilege which he would not forget in his lifetime.
The Royal fathers were led by the District Head of Daura, Dan Madamin Daura, on a visit to Buhari’s elder sister and on a tour of the expansive farm of the former president.
Buhari later led Oba Ogunwusi and the Southwest traditional rulers to the palace of the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar.
In a chat, the Oore of Otun Ekiti and the paramount ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, said, “The visit to the Emir of Daura shows brotherliness, love and unity of the nation.
“Traditional rulers are custodians of the heritage, culture and tradition of the people,” the monarch said.
