The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have urged Nigerians to continually pray for government leaders and traditional rulers overseeing community affairs across the country.
The two monarchs spoke in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Saturday during the unveiling of the Ojaja University, Ile-Ife campus.
Ooni speaking at Ojaja University sod turning event in Ile Ife, Osun State
The ceremony, which formed part of activities marking Oba Adeyeye’s 10th coronation anniversary, drew attendance from traditional rulers across Osun, Ogun, Kogi, Ondo, and Lagos states.
The Sultan, who carried out the symbolic sod-turning, praised the Ooni for his vision, calling the university a heritage project worthy of broad public backing.
“Leaving a legacy is the best you can do in your life. So, I am not envious of my brother, the Ooni, but am grateful to Almighty that during our time we have people like him, who are really committed to helping the lives of our people.”
“So let’s continue to pray and support ourselves, pray for our country, our president, Bola Tinubu, our Governors, and all leaders in their various offices, and of course most importantly pray for traditional rulers because we are the ones that are with the people and we are the one that knows the pain and cries of the people,” Abubakar said.
Speaking at the event, Oba Ogunwusi highlighted the steady progress the university has recorded since he assumed leadership and promised ongoing support for initiatives that uplift Nigerian youths.
Oba Ogunwusi, who equally appealed for prayers for those in authority, encouraged citizens to show love for their nation and foster peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths.
Earlier, while receiving guests, the Vice Chancellor of Ojaja University, Eyenkorin, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade, said that since 2022, when Oba Ogunwusi took over and revitalised the institution, the university has experienced significant transformation.
He added, “The Eyenkorin, Ilorin Campus, now boasting 13 fully accredited programmes and awaiting resource assessments for Law, Engineering, Agriculture, Medical and Health Sciences, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management, has evolved into a thriving ecosystem of scholarship and innovation.”
Unveiling the Ile-Ife campus, Ojuade explained that the new site will function as the cultural and creative heartbeat of Ojaja University, deliberately located in the ancestral home of Yoruba civilisation.
“This campus is envisioned as Africa’s most vibrant hub for Arts, Culture, Languages, Media, and Creative Technologies, hosting: Faculty of Arts, Cultural Studies and Creative Industries, B.Sc Mass Communication, B.Sc Broadcasting, B.Sc Film and Multi-Media Studies, B.Sc Public Relations, B.A Yoruba Language, B.A Music, B.A Theatre Arts.”
“Here, culture meets innovation. Heritage meets technology. Creativity meets global relevance,” the VC said.
