By Chimezie Godfrey
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, ahead of the convocation ceremony of Ibrahim Kazim University, where he was recently appointed Chancellor.
The revered monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), arrived in the Borno State capital at about 4:00pm on Friday.
He was accompanied by a high-powered delegation of traditional rulers and dignitaries, including the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole Adebayo; the Alaagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Olayinka Ogunwole; the Onigbaye of Igbaye, Oba Joseph Okunlola Oni; and the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji Oladepo.
Also on the delegation were the Vice Chancellor of Ojaja University, Ilorin, Professor Jeleel Ojuade, alongside other administrative and traditional aides.
The royal delegation was received by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in the company of Borno elders, members of the Yoruba community resident in the state, and top government officials.
Governor Zulum was flanked by the Pro-Chancellor of Ibrahim Kazim University, Maiduguri, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, and the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Babagana Gutti.
Following the reception, the governor led the Ooni and his entourage to the Government Lodge, Maiduguri, where the monarch paid a courtesy visit.
Thereafter, the Ooni proceeded to the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garba el-Kanemi, the spiritual, political and cultural leader of the Kanuri people worldwide.
Confirming the visit, the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the monarch’s presence in Maiduguri symbolised national unity and cultural solidarity.
“His Imperial Majesty is attending the convocation ceremony of the state-owned Ibrahim Kazim University scheduled for Saturday morning, following his recent appointment as Chancellor,” Olafare stated.