Ife King describes Ghana's peaceful atmosphere as Africa's shining light


The King of Ife, Nigeria Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, has lauded Ghana's atmosphere of peace describing it as Africa's shining light.  

He said Africans should look beyond the artificial boundaries and channeled their energies towards a better continent.  

The O'oni of Ife, said this when he paid a courtesy call on President John Mahama, at Flagstaff House in Accra.  

Oba Ogunwusi, who will be engaging in a number of activities, is accompanied by his wife, Wuraola Obanor. 

Ghana and Nigeria have common values and cultures as well as historic relations.

The King of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, is a 42 year old accountant who succeeded the late King Oba Sijuwade in July last year. 

His reign has far been rated as progressive. Oba Ogunwusi is in the country to engage with the Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu and Ga chiefs in a bid to promote Nigeria's rich cultural heritage. 

On his meeting with President Mahama, the of Ife, espoused the need for partnership between traditional rulers and governments. 

Oba Ogunwusi expressed how honoured he felt to be in a country, he describes as the continents shining light and an epitome of peace. 

He noted that he does not recognise the artificial boundaries that divide African countries but see's the continent as one big family. 

It is his wish that leaders will see beyond what divides them and channel their energies towards lifting each other up. 

President Mahama said he has always been an advocate of strong partnership between traditional rulers and government. 

He said efforts are underway to even step up that collaboration. 

President Mahama, said he sees Oba Ogunwusi as a blood relation stemming from the fact that he has a step mother who hails from the Offa Kingdom in Nigeria and with whom he lived for about a year in the early 1980's. 

Last year in October, whilst in Nigeria to deliver a paper at the University of LLorin, President Mahama was conferred an honorary Chieftaincy title by the Offa Kingdom. 

President Mahama presented the King with a silver engraved Coat of Arms of Ghana and a three piece kente cloth for his wife Wuraola, Oba Ogunwusi presented the President with a painting of the Africa continent in bronze.

GBC