Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyey Ogunwusi to play fatherly role to all politicians without being partisan.
Chief Obasanjo gave the charge on Saturday in ile-ife during the installation of the Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga as Afurugbin Ola of Ife (Lead Sower of Wealth and Prosperity of the Source) by the Ooni of Ife, Ooni
The former President noted that traditional rulers in Yoruba land should not declare public support for any politicians seeking election into any political office.
He particularly told the Ooni of Ife to only pray for all politicians as they come to the palace to seek his blessings, saying the Ooni belongs to all.
“Oba in Yoruba should not play politics, every politicians belong to you. Whoever wants to clinch any political office, be it President or Governor will come to you for support, just pray for them and let them go.
“Those who are now coming to you (Ooni) for favour today, if it was their wish you (Oba Ogunwusi) wouldn’t have been on the throne today but I like your spirit, the spirit of forgiveness. For me I will always stand by you.”
On the installation of Dr. Sanginga, chief Obasanjo said “let me specially thank you on behalf of Sanginga family for this special honour, for whom I m dedicating his life to agriculture and food security in Africa.
“There is nobody that can be so appropriate for the honour than Dr. Sanginga who will take it as challenge to do more. I want to assure you of what I know about Sanginga, they will live up to expectation.”
Oba Ogunwusi who prayed fervently for Sanginga and his wife before the conferment of the traditional titles noted that all African must be bonded and work for its unity.
In attendance at the event were, the representative of the President of Democratic Republic of Congo, former governor of Oyo State, Rasheed Ladoja, the representative of the incumbent who is the staff, Segun Ogunwuyi and host of other dignitaries.
