The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) has charged  President John Mahama of Ghana  to prioritize the unity of Africans by relaxing policies that encourage the physical and mental boundary set between African countries by the colonial masters.

According to a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Comrade Moses Olafare said that Ooni Ogunwusi who is on a four day visit to the West African country made this statement at the Flagstaff House Office of the President of Ghana during a courtesy call on President John Mahama in Accra emphasised that Africa must unite for collective prosperity to be achieved.

“It is my vision as the Ooni of Ife to promote unity, peace among African countries. Africa must unite to prosper.”

The Ooni who was accompanied by his amiable queen Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi(Yeyelua), stressed that unity among African countries and blacks around the world is the key to Africa’s prosperity and peace.

He said “As traditional leaders, we are the custodians of culture and tradition, that’s why I have taken it upon myself to preach this gospel of peace, and unity. There’s strength in unity, and it’s time for Africa to go beyond lip service and unite”.

Oba Ogunwusi commenting on the bond between the two countries, and the need to do more described Nigeria-Ghana as countries with similarities in culture and tradition.

“Also, we have Nigerian investors here, and Ghanaian businessmen in Nigeria, but Nigeria crave for more investors from Ghana to further boost economic integration between the two countries,” the monarch added.

Reacting, President John Mahama described himself as very lucky to be the 1st African president outside Nigeria to host the foremost African monarch who is globally known as “king of peace and unity”.

Mahama while thanking the Ooni for choosing Ghana as the first African country to benefit from his gospel of peace and unity stressed the importance of traditional rulers in governance.

According to him, traditional rulers play a key role in ensuring peace and order in our society.

“Your Majesty, thank you so much for making me so lucky to be the first African leader to host you outside Nigeria as this will remain indelible on the minds of our people that we are the first African country to eat from your pot of peace and unity.

“Here in Ghana, we partner with traditional rulers because our constitution recognizes traditional rulers, that’s why we have House of Chiefs, and this has really helped the nation keep its cultural heritage”.

President Mahama noted that the relationship between the two countries as very brotherly one which has encouraged positive contribution of Nigerian investors to Ghanaian economy as there are lots of Nigerian investors in Ghana who are thriving in various fields such as Banking, Cement production, Insurance and more saying that “this to a large extent depicts the peaceful co-existence and economic prosperity  gains through such collaboration.

In her vote of thanks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa who was part of the delegation appreciated President Mahama and the people of Ghana for recognizing the Ooni’s peace and unity vision for Africa and honouring the Nigerian king with so much befitting reception.

She thereafter advocated for a deeper bond between the two countries.

While presenting gift to President Mahama, the Ooni said the gift to Ghana represents peace, as the country prepares to go to election soon. President Mahama too presented a gift of applications to the Spiritual Head of Oduduwa race in return.

On the entourage of the Arole Oodua were notable Yoruba monarchs and Ife Highchiefs like Aseyin of Iseyin Oba Abduganiyu Adekunle, Jegun of Okitipupa HRM Oba Adetoye Obatuga,  Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa Oba Michael Ajayi Odunayo, Akogun of Ife Chief Muraina Adedoyin and Arode of Ife, Chief Jimoh Awe. Others are the SEA to President Buhari on Foreign Affairs Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, owner of  NairaBet a Nigerian lottery company Ayo Ojuroye and wife Olasimbo, an ace broadcaster Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, SA to Ooni on Special Duties Akin Daodu, Senior Business Executive Jide Fadairo and a host of others