The Ooni of Ife Kingdom, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, as well as his good friend, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo of Ilara Kingdom were among an elite delegation hosted by the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as the royal fathers moved to deepen diplomatic relations with the South American country.
The meeting, which took place in the capital city of Brasilia coincided with the official launching of the annual African Religion Day (ISESE DAY).
Ooni, one of Nigeria’s most influential monarchs has been in Brazil’s states of Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, Salvador Bahia and Brasilia on a 5-day working visit in continuation of his global tour for African People’s Peace and Progress Agenda.
Oonirisha was also present as the country unveiled some initiatives for the reunification of the over 100 million Afro-Brazilians via his program tagged “Back To Home.”
During their post event conversation, Ooni Ogunwusi went down history lane as he urged the Brazilian President not to renege on his promise of an inclusive pro African government.
He said, “I can remember very vividly when you visited Nigeria in 2003 during the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s term, you still have the love and respect of the African people. We have you in our prayers and we pray that the Almighty Olodumare continues to be with you, with your darling wife who is my daughter and your administration. Africa is proud of you.”
In his response, President Lula da Silva thanked Ooni for embarking on a trip that would not just foster deeper relations between the two countries, but global peace at large.
He noted that working in tandem towards nation building across both sides cannot be overemphasised, adding that his government is committed to strengthening the ties between Brazil and Africa which is the home continent of his people.
“Your love for us and for our country is indeed well appreciated and I promise you of my continued love for Africa. I have visited 44 countries in Africa and opened 19 embassies because my administration has a historic pact with Africa. My wife and are extremely fulfilled as your presence here today assures that this ISESE DAY has come to stay,” President Lula said.
Earlier in the day, Ooni was at the Federal House of Representatives Chamber in Brasilia where he addressed a special parliamentary session organised in his honour.
At the event, which was attended by the federal lawmakers, Cabinet Ministers and high profile dignitaries, Ooni called for unity among African descendants across the world, urging the legislative arm of the Brazilian government to support President Lula with necessary pro Afro-Brazilian legislations.”
He said, “We can not afford to be divided again. We are one, irrespective of colour and race. President Lula is our pride, he remains determined to do well for Africa, and you must support him with legislation helpful to his mission for Africa. That’s all I beg of you if truly we are one big family. What we need now is to unite for the growth of all persons and be good to all regardless of religious and cultural differences.
“Look at the good-looking Afro-Brazilians in this chamber who have stormed here to honour me.They all look like my first cousins back home in Nigeria and in other African countries, we are one people and the earlier we recognize the strength in our unity the better for us all.
“I am sitting on an ancient throne of over hundreds of centuries, a sacred throne of the Kingdom where most of you all migrated from. Beyond here in Brazil, I am delighted to inform you that you all have a home in my Kingdom and there are free lands for you to come and build your homes across Africa.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Parliament’s Deputy Speaker, Deputado Vicentinho Requerente, who led other lawmakers to receive the Oonirisha in the parliament, described the Ooni as a caring father whom the Afro-Brazilian community holds in a very high esteem.
Speaking in Portuguese, the lawmaker said, “Your presence here today has added to the dignity of people of African origin in Brazil and this day will remain a history-making day for life.”
After the parliamentary session, Ooni was hosted at the Nigeria House in Brazil by the Nigerian Ambassador to the country, Amb. Ahmad Muhammed Makarfi who led other African Diplomats to receive the Spiritual Leader of the Yoruba people and the Oduduwa race worldwide.
Accompanied by his queens; Olori Mariam Anako Ogunwusi and Olori Aderonke-Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, the Ooni who is Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria was on the trip with notable Yoruba kings like the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Joseph Adewole, The Alapomu of Apomu Kingdom, Oba Afolabi Kayode Adenekan and The Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Adedapo Aderemi.
Others on the entourage included his brother who is the Sooko Laekun of Ife Kingdom, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi, CEO of Ife Grand Resort in Ile-Ife, Princess Kemi Fadojutimi and a retinue of aides.
Click to watch our video of the week
Portable disses Taye Currency Says the whole arrangement was a set up. Dismisses 1 million…
By Tunde Odesola The good, the bad and the ugly incidents that fetishised the ‘Ember’…
The Story of a promising Nigerian footballer who's now a butcher Ex-Golden Eaglets Star, Ikpe…