The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, marked his 51st birthday on Friday with prayers for Nigeria and calls for national unity.
A statement from Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s palace, said Oba Ogunwusi expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the gift of life and the strength to continue serving humanity.
“On this special occasion of my 51st birthday, I return all glory to Olodumare for His mercies and grace,” he said, emphasising his commitment to leadership as a platform for fostering peace and the well-being of Nigeria and the African continent.
Born on October 17, 1974, and crowned the 51st Ooni of Ife in August 2015, Oba Ogunwusi described his journey as one of divine purpose and service. He highlighted Nigeria’s wealth of human and natural resources, urging citizens to contribute collectively to building a peaceful and prosperous future.
The traditional ruler called on fellow monarchs and members of the Oduduwa House worldwide to set aside divisions and work collaboratively to address the nation’s challenges. “I pray for peace in our nation, for wisdom for our leaders, and for prosperity in the lives of all members of the
Oduduwa race globally. Our diversity is our strength, and together we can make Nigeria great,” he said.
Oba Ogunwusi used the occasion to advocate for renewed commitment to cultural values, stressing that African traditions and identity remain vital instruments for social cohesion and national renewal. He also reaffirmed his dedication to youth empowerment, education, and the inclusion of women in leadership, noting that these are essential to building a balanced society.
The Ooni thanked sons and daughters of Oduduwa worldwide for their support and contributions toward preserving the heritage of their ancestors. He encouraged them to remain united, promote peace, and uphold values of love and respect for humanity.
