On Thursday, at the annual celebration of Oduduwa Festival held in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, paid homage to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Speaking during his visit, Aare Adams described the Ooni as the only monarch with the seal of Oduduwa, saying he holds the foremost African traditional ruler in very high esteem.

A statement by Director of Media and Publicity for Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, quoted Adam as saying that:

 “As the Arole Oduduwa, all descendants of Oduduwa must bow in respect for the highly respected throne because he is the father of all.

“I respect him so much because he is my father and I will continue to do so.”

Adams observed an improved level of unity in Yorubaland which he said was fully displayed in the formation of the South-West Security Network, also known as Amotekun.

“Let me commend Kabiesi, the Oonirisa, the Alaafin of Oyo and other prominent Obas, leaders of socio-cultural organizations, civil society groups and individuals for supporting the crusade for Operation Amotekun.

“The events that played out during the crusade for Operation Amotekun clearly indicated that the Yoruba blood truly flows in our veins.

“When the issue of Amotekun came up, I took up the challenges, and like a lone ranger, I made my position known to the world, without minding whose ox is gored. I said it clearly, that whoever that is against the initiative was an enemy of our race,” Adams said.

Addressing the gathering, Ooni Ogunwusi described the descendants of Oduduwa as uniquely different people created by God.

“Take a close look at our people, their conducts and lifestyle anywhere in the world, you will agree with me that we are uniquely different. No matter where we find ourselves, we are pacesetters and that is the value we must continue to uphold.

“What we need to add to our uniqueness is love, let us love ourselves and others in order to record more wins. I am confident that if we live in love and unity, we will soar above whatever challenges that may confront us,” the monarch said.