The Ooni of Ife making a presentation to Otumfuo
THE MANHYIA Palace in Kumasi was a scene of rich African tradition and culture when Alayeluwa, Oba Dr. Adeyele Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Monday.
A large retinue of chiefs and elders that accompanied the respected monarch from Nigeria to Kumasi put up a splendid cultural display which was equally marched by their hosts, the Asantes.
There was a spontaneous shout and applause at the palace as the Ooni of Ife, who was accompanied by his wife, finally shook hands with Otumfuo, who was sitting in state.
Dr. Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, in his remarks, stressed the need for Africans from the various tribes to unite as one people and work to transform the continent and its people, living across the globe.
According to him, Africans were one people living and transacting business together before the Europeans came to divide the continent into countries, insisting that there is a great need for Africans to unite once again to help expedite the growth of the continent to boost the lives of the people.
Dr. Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II expressed delight over the fruitful working relationship that exists between Ghana and Nigeria, urging the leadership and people of both countries to continue working together in all areas for their mutual benefit.
The Monarch described his meeting with the Asante King as historic, expressing the readiness of his kingdom to work closely with the Asante Kingdom to bring about transformation. He also charged Africans all over the world to be proud of their rich culture which was bequeathed to them by their ancestors.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in a speech read on his behalf, also stressed the need for the Asante Kingdom to work closely together with the people of the Ife especially in the area of business, to help bring about the needed growth for the people of both kingdoms.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi