Date: 2016-08-11

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (right) and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, during a courtesy visit by the monarch to the Government House in Ilorin… yesterday. Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, have emphasised the importance of traditional rulers in the country as harbingers of peace and unity.

They described traditional rulers as divine leaders closer to the people than government and should not be relegated to the background on matters relating to socio-economic development and egalitarian society.

Speaking when the two monarchs met yesterday at the emir's palace in Ilorin, Oba Ogunwusi said royal fathers are divine, adding that they are born and not a creation of human beings.

The Ooni, who said that people first come to traditional rulers when problems arise, added that they should be honoured and accorded roles to encourage peaceful co-existence. He, therefore, called on kingdoms to come together, saying that they should concentrate on issues that unite people rather than what divides them.

"If we focus on matters that are common to us, with this in our subconscious nature, we will know that we are the same and one and from one God", he said. The Ooni also stated that he was ready to co-operate with the Emir in the interest of development, adding that his mission was based on spirit of love, unity and development.

The Emir of Ilorin said he was pleased with the hands of fellowship extended by the Ooni across Nigeria and beyond, saying: "ln Islamic parlance, kings are moulded in the shadow of Almighty God." The emir also said that Nigerians are brothers and sisters, and urged leaders to imbibe the spirit of oneness.