Obasanjo prostrates for Ooni

Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday paid a visit to the Ooni of Ife,  Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja 11), in his palace at Oduduwa House, where he prostrated for the monarch.
He specifically commended Oba Ogunwusi for paying visits to some prominent Yoruba obas as a veritable means of strengthening the unity and healthy relationship among the traditional institutions.
It will be recalled that the Ooni has been visiting Yoruba monarchs as a way of ensuring unity. 
He has visited the Alaafin of Oyo and the Awujale of Ijebuland.
Speaking during his visit to the Ooni’s palace on Friday, where he was received by prominent traditional rulers in Ile-Ife, Obasanjo, in a dramatic move, stepped in with other prominent personalities in his Yoruba regalia and prostrated  for the Ooni as a sign of respect.
While some of those present during the visit were jolted by his postration, other applauded and hailed the former president.
The former president explained that the unity move by the Ooni was important for the progress of Yorubaland, just as he urged the Ooni not to relent in his move to ensure unity, adding that Ife remained the source of Yorubaland.
Obasanjo stated: “I commend the role of the Ooni in ensuring peace in Yorubaland. Continue what you are doing, especially your unity course.  I am happy with the move taken so far. It is only a sign of honour for the Ooni to visit anyone. That does not stop Ile-Ife from its position in the history of Yorubaland.”
Responding, Oba Ogunwusi  expressed his appreciation to the former president for his visit, just as he described him as an international figure who holds germane position among the leaders of the country.
Obasanjo had earlier  paid a visit to the newly installed Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Ilufemiloye Telu I, at his palace, where he emphasised the need for the Yoruba  to embrace unity in promoting the interest of the race.
Obasanjo, who was billed to attend the presentation of staff of office to Oba Adewale on January 16, but could not attend the event, in his brief remarks, attributed his absence to a trip he made outside the country.
He, however, lauded the Iwo monarch for the warm reception accorded  former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who represented him at the ceremony, saying he was impressed by the development.
Accompanied during his visit to the Oluwo by Chief Oyewole Fasawe, Dr. Femi Majekodunmi and Chief Rasheed Gbadamonsi, among others, Obasanjo promised to continue to support efforts aimed at promoting the unity of the country.