The ancient city of Iwo in Osun State was Friday evening thrown into excitement as former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, stormed the town in solidarity with the newly-crowned monarch, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi.
Obasanjo was received by a tumultuous crowd of residents who were surprised by his unscheduled visit.
The major streets where the ex-president’s convoy snaked through went agog as residents took to dancing in appreciation of the august visitor.
So many trooped out to have a glance of the visit.
It was a hectic time for security agents before they could create a way for Obasanjo’s convoy to gain entry into the palace due to the heavy presence of the residents who besieged the main gate.
Speaking at the palace, Obasanjo, who described his visit to the town as a necessity, said his visit was aimed at paying a worthy homage to the new monarch and strengthening the existing peace among Yoruba.
Chief Obasanjo, who also attributed the existing peace, unity, progress and tranquility in Yorubaland to what he regarded as continuous efforts being exhibited by the peace loving people in the West, said the time has come for all to be united.
He commended Yoruba monarchs for maintaining the peaceful coexistence and mutual relationship, explaining that the only tool that can make a nation great is peace and love.
Obasanjo, who described the new Oluwo as an experienced man, a distinguished technocrat, said his emergence as Oluwo was a clear manifestation of his sincerity and passion for development.
He therefore commended the people of the town for brilliantly and painstakingly choosing a man whose antecedents can key into the the desired development of his people.
He implored the monarch to use his exalted position to reposition the town and foster togetherness among his subjects, the Yoruba and Nigeria as a whole.
He said: “My visit to Iwo is to pay a due homage to the new monarch and as well strengthen the existing peace among we yorubas.
“I am here today to show that we Yorubas are one and as far as we are concerned, we shall continue to be more united and mutually fostered.
“To me, I believe that nothing is as good as living in peace and I also believe that the existing peace in Yorubaland can only be continually enjoyed if we see the need to be our brother’s keepers and extend love to one another.
“To me, Iwo has chosen a right man as king and I am optimistic that his reign will usher in development, peace, unity, progress and tranquility.
“In view of this, I want the new Oluwo to prioritise peace, unity and togetherness as veritable instruments to culminate all-round success and transformation.”
Obasanjo therefore prayed for continuous peace and tranquility in all parts of Yorubaland, Nigeria, Africa and the entire world.
In his remarks, Oba Akanbi extolled the virtues of the ex-president in keeping peace among the Yoruba nation.
Akanbi, who described Chief Obasanjo as an agent of peace, promised to continuously maintain the existing peace and place Yoruba’s image on global pages.
The royal father, who expressed delight on the visit, said it depicts the high sense of love, peace and unity reigning among the Yorubas.
He therefore reassured his subjects of his total commitment to turning around the economy of the ancient town to the greater benefit of all and well being of the entire indigenes.
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