President Muhammadu Buhari has sought partnership with Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the new Ooni of Ife for national peace, harmony and development. This was the kernel of the congratulatory message from the President to the Ooni contained in a statement signed by Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina. The statement reads:

“On behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on his emergence as the 51st Ooni of Ife and successor to the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

“President Buhari rejoices with Prince Adeyeye  on his  nomination  as  Ooni by the kingmakers of Ife  after a keenly contested but peaceful selection process, and confirmation yesterday by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State.

“As he prepares to begin the rites of ascension to the revered throne of his great ancestors, President Buhari urges the Ooni-designate  to commit himself to carrying all his subjects along to a new era of peace, stability and progress in Ife, Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

“The President  calls on Prince Adeyeye to be prepared to put  his new position as Ooni and principal custodian of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba  to good use in the service of his people and country.

“President Buhari also urges the Ooni-designate to dedicate himself to building on, and surpassing the worthy legacies of his much-acclaimed predecessor, Oba Sijuwade, and working with government and other traditional rulers across the country to foster greater harmony, peaceful co-existence and faster socio-economic development of his people and all Nigerians.

“As Prince Adeyeye  ascends to the grand throne of the Ooni of Ife, the President prays that God Almighty will grant him the immense wisdom and courage he will require to oversee further progress and greater prosperity for his people.

“He wishes the new Ooni a long and highly successful reign in the service of his people and country”.