The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) CFR, has commended the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II (JP), for sustaining the cultural practice of the people, just as he called on Nigerians to see the diversity in culture as a strength to foster togetherness and peace in the country.

The Ooni, who is also the co-chairman of the Traditional Council of Nigeria, gave the admonition in his remark at the just concluded annual Amaseikumor Festival that held in Oporoza Town, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

In his words, "I have read from history of this festival and the effect of it. Any time, from time immemorial, once it is done, you will start to reap bountifully. On behalf of all traditional rulers that are here today, we want to continue to associate with things like this, things of very strong heritage, festivals of very strong culture and tradition. This is the only thing that binds us together, nothing but this. This is the real cement of our nation.

"A nation with so much diversity, and the strength is only from our culture, the strength is only from our heritage, the strength is only from our tradition. And that's the reason why I don't joke with it, because it fosters unity, it fosters togetherness, and it fosters peace...

"These are things we need to continue to teach our generation and generation yet to come. We don't have any other country, this is our country, we have to make it right. We should continue to see the good time and good side of our nation, and the good side of our nation is this diversity in our culture." the Ooni added.

Speaking further, the Ooni of Ife praised the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom for their warm hospitality and prayed that the kingdom and its sons whom he described as "very good", continue to prosper so that they can contribute more to its development.

"Your Majesty, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom... It is a great honour to always be in the midst of the entire Gbaramatu Kingdom people. I love your people; your people are full of honour. I remember the last time I came here, you gave me very warm reception. I went back to my kingdom and the entire Yoruba Nation to inform my people that I will come to Gbaramatu Kingdom over and over again for us to actually foster unity of our dear nation, for us to continue to foster peace of our dear Nigeria as a nation.

"On behalf of all traditional rulers, I want to congratulate you once again for your warm reception and I want to thank all your sons; they have been wonderful. All your sons. I cannot even start to mention names. They have been very very wonderful and have been supportive across board. May God continue to bless you. May God continue to bless your kingdom. May God continue to honor you. May God continue to see you through and your kingdom will continue to prosper. All your children will continue to excel in all their endeavors so that they will jointly come home and develop Gbaramatu Kingdom," he prayed.

"Thank you for this thing you are doing. Make sure you continue to invite me as the royal Oduduwa, the Ooni of Ife, I will come over and over again for us to foster unity, peace, progress and prosperity of our dear nation," the Ooni assured.

The traditional ruler and monarch of the Yoruba Kingdom was among other traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region and from across the country as well as top dignitaries that were in attendance at the grand finale of the week-long festival that began on Friday, April 12. 

View photos of the ceremony on PENGlobal Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/LBG6PUc8vAuYPuUf/?mibextid=oFDknk

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