By  Musa Garba

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has hosted the Amanyanabo of the Source, Elem-Kalabari, Torusarama-Piri, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, in a move to strengthen cultural relations and cooperation among traditional institutions ahead of the Kalabari monarch’s coronation.

During the visit, Dokubo-Asari formally invited the Ooni to the Se Diye (Coronation) ceremony scheduled for December 19, 2026, in Buguma, Rivers State.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Sodiq Lawal, Senior Media Officer, on behalf of Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, and made available to Northeast Star Magazine.

Dokubo-Asari, also known as Da Amakiri Tubo, emphasised the importance of cordial relationships among traditional rulers, noting that traditional institutions play vital roles in community development, conflict resolution and the preservation of cultural heritage.

He praised the Ooni for his leadership and commitment to peace, unity and responsible traditional stewardship, describing the engagement as an opportunity to deepen bonds of brotherhood among traditional institutions across Nigeria.

In his response, the Ooni, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), expressed appreciation for the visit and invitation to the forthcoming coronation.

He described the engagement as a welcome development in efforts to strengthen relationships among traditional rulers from different parts of the country.

The Ooni stressed that cooperation among traditional institutions was essential to promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse cultural communities.

He also expressed his desire to establish stronger cultural, historical and economic ties between Ile-Ife and Elem-Kalabari, noting that sustained engagement could deepen understanding of Nigeria’s diverse identities and shared heritage.

Speaking warmly about his guest, the Ooni described Dokubo-Asari as a fearless personality, adding humorously that “the fear of Asari Dokubo is the beginning of wisdom.”

He commended the Kalabari monarch for the wisdom and maturity with which he had conducted himself since ascending the throne, noting that effective traditional leadership requires courage, prudence and a commitment to the welfare of the people.

The Ooni also acknowledged Dokubo-Asari’s goodwill and relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the importance of constructive engagement among traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders in promoting peace and national development.

He further emphasised that stronger historical and cultural connections among traditional institutions could serve as bridges for unity and cooperation across ethnic and geographical boundaries.

As a mark of honour and goodwill, the Ooni presented a bronze artwork to Dokubo-Asari during the visit.

Explaining the significance of the gift, the Ooni said it symbolised the importance of the people to a leader, stressing that the strength of any traditional institution ultimately depends on the support, loyalty and well-being of the people it serves.

The meeting underscores the importance of dialogue and collaboration among traditional rulers in preserving cultural heritage, strengthening inter-community relationships and advancing peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.