By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife and Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN), Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has called on Yoruba people and all the Oduduwa descendants in Africa and in diaspora to uphold the spirit of unity, peace, and cultural pride in order to foster progress and strengthen ancestral bonds among all members of the House of Oduduwa globally.
Represented by his spokesman, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch made the call while speaking with newsmen during the 2025 Ghana Isokan Festival, held yesterday at PWD Grounds, opposite the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) office in Accra, Ghana, expressing his joy over the annual celebration which, according to Ooni, symbolizes the enduring bond among Yoruba descendants in the diaspora.
“The Ooni sends his heartfelt greetings to all Yoruba people residing in Ghana and across Africa. His Majesty remains deeply committed to promoting unity, love, and cooperation among all Oduduwa descendants, irrespective of geographical boundaries,” Olafare said.
Olafare emphasized that the Ooni’s mission is to reconnect Africans with their ancestral roots and restore pride in their cultural identity, which, he said, remains a key pathway to achieving sustainable peace and development across the continent.
“The Ooni believes that our progress as Africans depends on our ability to rediscover who we are, uphold our shared heritage, and stand together as one people,” he added.
In his goodwill message, the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to Ghana, Ambassador Dayo Adeoye, lauded the organizers of the Isokan Festival for promoting unity and preserving Yoruba heritage in the diaspora.
Speaking before a gathering of traditional rulers, community leaders, and dignitaries, Ambassador Adeoye congratulated His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulrasheed Buraimoh, the Leader of the Yoruba Community in Ghana, for sustaining the annual festival.
“I am delighted to be part of this auspicious occasion of the Isokan Festival 2025, which marks the fourth edition in the series. The Yoruba people in Ghana have demonstrated remarkable wisdom and commitment to preserving their cultural identity. Isokan means unity; unity in thought, purpose, and action. When there is unity, there is peace, progress, and development,” Adeoye said.
He further described the festival as a significant cultural and diplomatic platform that strengthens not only the Yoruba community but also promotes African unity and cultural diplomacy.
“Culture indeed is another form of diplomacy. Our gathering here reminds us of the importance of cultural diplomacy, not just for promoting bilateral relations between our countries, but also for building bridges across our communities. Festivals like Isokan strengthen the fabric of Africa’s unity, encourage dialogue, and highlight the rich contributions of African traditions to the global community,” he said.
