Ooni, Eminent Yoruba Leaders Storm Ekiti For Bamisile

The ancient town of Kota, Omuo Ekiti erupted in jubiliation as eminent Yoruba leaders on Sunday  14 th July 2019 stormed Omuo Ekiti, Ekiti State to grace the event marking the Thanksgivings/ civic reception of House of  Reps member, Rt. Hon. Femi Bamisile who was recently inaugurated to represents Ekiti South Federal Constituency 11 in the 9th Assembly.

The Methodist Church of  Nigeria, Kota Circuit,  venue of the Thanksgiving service was thrown into wild celebration when the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11,  his  entourage and avalanche of traditional crooners made  a grand entry into the church arena.

In his keynote sermon, the Vicar in Charge of the   Church  RT.  Rev. Emmanuel Abejide,  admonished members of the church  to reflect on the event and  emulate the sterling,  leadership  qualities of the celebrant, and calling on the people of the community especially the youth to see Hon. Bamisile as a role model and leading example that they should emulate. ‘ I want to  congratulate  you on this great occasion, I  rejoice with the Bamisile family and the entire Kota, Omuo  people for this landmark achievement. We in the church are happy that one of our sons has done us proud. This is a great achievement for which we are eternally grateful. I call on the youth to see this as a great example for emulation”.

In his exhortation, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, expressed delight at the great work that God is doing in the transformation of Ekiti, which he attributed to good governance and leadership. The Ooni affirmed that Ekiti has become a  new terrain, because he couldn’t believe  the tremendous improvement that the state has witnessed.   He said, ” I was asking my people as we were coming to confirm if Ekiti is this big, as it took us much  time to arrive at our destination. The Ekiti that we used to know is perceived as a  very linear, small and compact settlement. But today, I can see that Ekiti has change, with the development that has taken place”.

Oba Ogunwusi called on the leaders and people of the yoruba race to unite for the common good and progress of the land. He challenge the  government and the people of the southwest to always put the people and their interest  at the centre of their plans and programmes, he said it is only when the people are united by a comon goal and purpose that the much anticipated progress and development can be achieved.

“I am happy to be in this church today as part of my responsibilities as the father and leader of the yoruba race. I am happy with you the people of God. Let us work together for the unity and progress of the yorubas.   We are the light and sunshine, we represents the hope for a better tomorrow in Nigeria. We must be united by purpose, and that purpose is peace, unity and progress of our people. I join  thousands of our people to rejoice with the  celebrant, RT. Hon. Bamisile and his family on his election into the National Assembly.  I have no doubt in my mind that with what I have seen here today, the celebrant would re-dedicated himself to the service of God and the people” he concluded.

In her speech, the Wife of  the Governor, Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi   thanked the almighty God for the opportunity to witness the occasion  which had in attendance the symbol of the yoruba race and cradle, the Onirisa, Oba Ogunwusi. Mrs. Fayemi was thankful to the people for the support given to Hon.  Bamisile. She described “Bafem” as popularly known,  as a true Omoluabi of Ekiti. According to her, the presence of the Ooni in today’s event, has shown that “Bafem” is really an influential politician and great  leader. If you come to Ekiti and say you are looking for Hon. Femi Bamisile, some people may tell you, they don’t him. But once you mention Bafem, you will see the reactions. He is indeed a populist politician.

Mrs. Fayemi acknowledged the significant role being played by the Ooni to foster unity and progress in yoruba land in particular  and Nigeria in general. She implored the Ooni to continue to use his influence and authority to promote the ideals of a good society.

“I am happy to receive in our midst our father, the father of the yoruba race, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife. Your presence here today has gone to show that Bafemi is an “Omoluabi Ekiti”. Kabiyesi thank you for coming to rejoice with us. We want to implore you to continue  with  the good role you are playing to unite our people and the much  progress and development we desire” she added.

In his own  speech at the occasion, Hon. Bamisile said ” My  desire to serve the people have been the motive behind my ambition. When I was the Speaker of Ekiti State Assembly, my time and resources were dedicated to the service of the common people. The reason to serve them better motivated my ambition to wanted to be Governor of Ekiti. But as God will have it, he gave me the National Assembly platform. This goes to show that God time  is the best. I want to assure the people of my constituency in particular and Ekiti state in general that whatever I do or whatever position I find myself i have resolved to dedicate the rest of my life to the service of God and humanity. I want to thank God for today, I want to thank my family particularly my wife for always standing by me.  I want to express my profound gratitude  to our father, the Ooni of ife, our mother ‘Erelu Bambam’ Her Excellency Mrs. Bisi Fayemi the wife of the Governor for finding time to honour me and our people. I wish to also thank  all my friends  colleagues and above all  the people that have come to honour me today. I thank you all” he concluded

Prominent yoruba leaders and politicians  attended the event. They include, the Elekole of Ikole Kingdom, the Chief Of Staff to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Omoleye, House of Reps members from Ekiti, Hon. Yemi Adaramodu, Sola Fatoba, House of Reps from Shaki, Oyo State, Hon. Sina Pella, members of the Ekiti State Executive Council, members of the State House of Aseembly, former members of the state and national assemblies, political leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and women associations across Ekiti State and beyond who are too numerous to mention.

RT. Hon. Bamisile is a former Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly.