By Omolade Adegbuyi
Yoruba Obas in Kwara, Kogi and some parts of Niger State have sought recognisation and merger with their Oduduwa kinsmen in Western Nigeria.
The creation of regions and states by the central Nigerian authorities from the 1950s have created cultural and historic defects that years of military and democracy governments have failed to rectify.
Why the Yoruba are a majority ethnic nation in Nigeria and Africa, the Yoruba cultural identities outside the South West are often obliterated for political convenience.
Many Yoruba Obas in Kwara, Kogi, Edo, Delta and the fringe of Niger State trace their origin to Ile-Ife.
They spoke with one voice at a parley with the Ooni of Ife and Co- Chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria(NCTRN) Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on Friday.
Ooni had hosted the traditional rulers of Yoruba Okun origin in Kogi and Kwara states, North Central Nigeria at the ancient Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.
The traditional rulers were led by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Dele Owoniyi, the monarch paid the august visit to present the new Elulu of Mopa, Oba (Dr.) Muyiwa Ibeun who recently ascended the throne of his ancestors to the Arole Oduduwa.
For ages, the Yoruba Obas in these areas have always affirmed their Ife origin and sought political and economic union with the Yoruba mainstream.
In his opening address, the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Dele Owoniyi described Ile-Ife as the undisputed home of all Yoruba people including those of Okun origin.
He said the Ooni Ogunwusi has done so well in giving all descendants of Oduduwa an enviable identity and real sense of belonging anywhere in the world.
“Kabiyesi, we have a lot of work to do for our people with regards to where we found ourselves in modern Nigeria. There are real issues of development deficit which I am sure we can overcome with your might and influence.
“Please be assured that our loyalty to the ancient throne of Oduduwa is never in doubt.” The Obaro of Kabba noted.
Addressing the gathering, the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun thanked the Ooni for his love and support which he said preceded his emergence as a monarch.
“This is homecoming for me and my colleagues here, we are here to thank Your Imperial Majesty as well as commending you for dignifying the prestigious traditional institution.” The Elulu said.
In the same vein, the Elejuku of Ejuku (Kogi State), explained that most children of Oduduwa of Okun origin are at great disadvantage as they are often regarded as second or third Yoruba.
“Kabiyesi Ooni, we are tired of being referred to as lesser Yoruba because of our location, those who demarcated us in those days did not consult us and that is why they did not factor in our peculiarities.
“We want you to use your connection and position to return us home and reunite us with our kinsmen. We are your children and we cannot afford to be regarded as lesser descendants of Oduduwa.” The monarch noted.
The stance was buttressed by the Olusin of Isin (Kwara State), Oba Solomon Oloyede who added that the Ooni must not relent in ensuring that all descendants of Oduduwa are in perfect condition at all times.
Responding to the visiting monarchs and their subjects, Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) explained that the most important thing is for Okun Yorubas to know and note that they are well appreciated by their kinsmen in the western part of the country.
“You are not lesser, second or third Yorubas. You are true descendants of Oduduwa with history of hard work and noble background which I am sure you carry with pride. We shall work together for development, peace and tranquility of our respective domains.” The Ooni said.
