An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, for donating two locally-fabricated fumigators and drones to the Ondo State government as part of his contributions to the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The group, in a statement by Prof. Ishaq Akintola, said “Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi’s initiative is highly impressive. It should be commended by all Nigerians regardless of tribe. He is a shining example of a proactive monarch who should be emulated by other traditional rulers in the country. He has broken the myth of the redundancy of the traditional institution not only in Nigeria but in Africa as a whole.
“The traditional ruler of Ile-Ife has also given a practical example of how traditional rulers can join hands with the government in providing solutions to problems arising in our society. In particular, he has shown vividly how Nigerians and, indeed Africans, can look inwards for remedies to tackle their problems instead of waiting for Europe and America for panacea that may never come. MURIC is very proud of Oba Ogunwusi.
“We note with interest that the gift of motorized fumigators is not limited to Ondo State alone. Oba Ogunwusi had earlier presented the same motorised fumigator and drones to other states in the region. This implies that Ogunwusi has expended humongous amount of money probably running into billions of naira.
“It is probably the first time a traditional ruler is embarking on wide range philanthropy of this kind. Oba Ogunwusi comes across as a humanist of no small measure and a patriot of great treasure. It should be noted that the monarch single-handedly enthroned peace and stability between the ancient city of Ile-Ife and its next door neighbor, Modakeke, thereby bringing to a halt a conflict that had consumed hundreds of lives while properties worth billions of naira had been destroyed. He attained this feat within months of his installation. This places the traditional ruler on the pedestal of peace-makers and lovers of progress.
“Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has interrogated the status quo. His clear message is that we must not leave the fate of Africans in the hands of the West. The colonial master will never teach us what will benefit us. They are mainly interested in promoting their country’s national interest. They will continue to condition our minds towards dependency and docility. This is why we must agree that Oba Ogunwusi is a trail blazer. His initiative is a challenge to both Nigerian and African scientists.
“We call on the Federal Government (FG) and the governments of Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti to seek more ways of tapping from the rich mind of Oba Ogunwusi. We enjoin the people of Ile-Ife to continue to cooperate with their amiable, peace-loving and progress-inclined king.”