Ayodele Olalere
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged Yoruba to unite and support the Presidential aspiration of the All Progressives Candidate (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2023.
Governor Sanwo-Olu while speaking at the 2022 Annual Ojude Oba Festival, Ijebu Ode, on Monday, as the Special Guest of Honour, asked all Yoruba to avoid division among them so as to ensure Tinubu becomes President.
He further said the unifying factor the Ojude Oba Festival presented should serve as encouragement for all son’s and Yoruba to queue behind the ambition of Tinubu.
READ ALSO: http://2023: Tinubu’s choice of Shettima fuel for Boko Haram, says Adegboruwa
He described Tinubu as a proud son of the Yoruba race and one of the most formidable and experienced politicians to have ever emerged from Africa, adding that the Ojude Oba has grown to become a prominent cultural and religious festival in Nigeria, and yet stayed true to its Islamic roots..
“Celebrations like the Ojude Oba remind us that evil will never triumph over good. It is also noteworthy that the Ojude Oba Festival has, while staying true to its Islamic roots, expanded to become a unifying
symbol and occasion for people of all faiths, tribes, and tongues; as well as a global celebration of Ijebu heritage and culture.
“We must never lose sight of this unifying element, especially at a time when the forces of division seem to be working so actively to undermine all that we cherish as a people,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
He added: “Let me use this opportunity to make this rallying call on all true sons and daughters of the Yoruba race, and pronounce that in the unifying spirit of the Ojude Oba celebration, it is my firm hope and belief that the Yoruba race will unite as one behind the momentous candidature of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a proud son of the race and one of the most formidable and experienced politicians to have ever emerged from Africa.”
READ ALSO: http://Presidential ticket: APC Professionals Forum congratulates Kashim Shettima
The annual Ojude Oba Festival is hosted by the Awujale of Ijebu and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. It was last held in 2019 as the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the 2020 and 2021 editions.
The colourful ceremony witnessed 57 age groups decked in colourful attires who took their turns to pay homage to the king and the dignitaries.
Other attractions were horse riding and different warrior ( Balogun) families who displayed their skills.
The popular Kuku family was led by Olorogun Sunny Kuku himself who rode on horse into the arena joined by his family in the horse riding show.
Prices were given as five persons won tricycles in the raffle draw sponsored by telecommunications giant Globacom.
The Hausa community was represented in their numbers, while the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode and grand Imam of Ijebu Land, Sheikh Miftaudeen Ayangbadejo Gbadegesin, said the opening prayer.
Other dignitaries at the event were Ogun State Deputy Governor Naimot Salako-Oyedele, some members of the Lagos State Executive Council, former Ogun State Governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel, founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Otunba Subomi Balogun, among others