Ooni Of Ife Remembers Late Obafemi Awolowo

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has said that the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo will be remembered for his commitment to freedom and justice for Nigeria.

In a statement entitled: ‘30 years remembrance of the Yoruba leader,’ the Ooni said the late Premier of the defunct Western Region would be remembered for putting Nigeria on the map of ideal societies in the world.

The statement signed by by Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Comrade Moses Olafare, the Ife monarch said Awolowo provided a second to none leadership for the Yoruba people in Nigeria.

The statement reads in part: “On behalf of the Ife Royal Court in Ile-Ife and the entire descendants of Oduduwa all over the world, I today very heartily remember the Premier of the old Western Region in Nigeria, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo who gloriously exited this world exactly 30years ago.

“As the Odole of the Source (Ife) he was a core member of the inner chamber of the royal court of Ife (Ile Oodua) with indelible contributions in the affairs of the palace where the sacred throne of Oduduwa sits till date.

“As the Asiwaju of Yoruba he provided a second to none leadership for the Yoruba people in Nigeria culturally and politically in a way that the western region became so respectable and today remains a force to reckon with in the life of the country and beyond. ”

As an activist, he fought with unwavering dedication and commitment for the freedom and justice for the African people, Nigeria in particular.”

As the premier of the western Region, he led us to an everlasting glory, he put the name of Nigeria on the map of ideal societies in the world, he managed our resources prudently and judiciously to make us pacesetters not only Nigeria but also in Africa with landmark achievements like the first Television in Africa, the tallest building in Nigeria(cocoa house), the first stadium in Nigeria, the first free education in Africa, the first free health service in Africa, the first housing Estate in Nigeria, the first industrial Estate the best and most beautiful university in Nigeria, the first public investments corporation(Oodua Group of Companies) Odole is an epitome of good leadership and great symbol of economic emancipation who will always be remembered all.

He was an all rounder whose love for the masses, respect for human dignity and great development stands him out as a true man of the people who continues to live the heart of the people.”

Vanguard