No APC, PDP in Yorubaland, Makinde declares in Ife
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has called for greater unity among the Yoruba people, urging stakeholders to rise above partisan politics in the interest of regional cohesion and
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has called for greater unity among the Yoruba people, urging stakeholders to rise above partisan politics in the interest of regional cohesion and development.
Makinde appealed on Saturday during the installation of Olufunsho Amosun, wife of former Ogun State governor, as the Yeye Moremi Oodua of the Source at the palace of the Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
He emphasised the need for a collective Yoruba identity to drive development across the region, noting that unity must transcend political affiliations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Makinde said, “The Yeye Moremi Oodua of the Source is newly installed, and we also wish to say happy birthday and many happy returns in good health, as well as continued service to our nation and humanity.
“Today at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, this is Yorubaland, where there is nothing like APC or PDP; we are all together. This is what we should strive for in the interest of the Yoruba nation, which this new chieftaincy title represents. If you can gather us all here, it means there is hope for Yorubaland.”
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said the honour bestowed on Amosun was in recognition of her contributions to the culture and tradition of Yorubaland.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Bola, described the Yeye Moremi title as one of the most revered honours in Yorubaland, symbolising courage, sacrifice, service to humanity and commitment to cultural preservation.
He congratulated Amosun, describing her as a woman of virtue, compassion and outstanding dedication to humanitarian causes.
In her acceptance speech, Amosun pledged to uphold the dignity of the title and serve humanity with commitment.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. I, Yeye Moremi Ooduaa, take this title not with levity or frivolity. I fully comprehend that the recognition comes with responsibility, and understand this honour is a call to higher service to humanity.
“I therefore pledge to purposefully carry this title with dignity, compassion, empathy and humility, in total submission to God's will. I pray for the wisdom required to excel in this role, enablement, to make an impact and grace, to leave a plethora of good legacies worthy of the honour bestowed upon me by the Arole.”
Dignitaries at the event included former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun; former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola; former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; and former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Iyiola Omisore.
Others were former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel; Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Gbenga Ashafa; businessman Kessington Adebutu; former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro; and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, among others.
