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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has met the president of Brazil, Luiz Lula, for a discussion on the reunification of Afro-Brazilianse.
A statement by the Director, Media, and Public Affairs, at Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare on Thursday, said the meeting was held at Brasilia, Brazil’s Federal Capital Territory where Ooni was received as Royal Guest of Honour during the official launching of the annual African Religion Day (Isese Day).
According to the statement, Ooni has been in Brazil’s states of Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, Salvador Bahia, and Brasilia on a 5-day working visit in continuation of his global tour for African People’s Peace and Progress Agenda.
While in the country, Ooni unveiled some initiatives for the reunification of the over 100 million Afro-Brazilians via his program tagged ‘Back To Home,’ the statement added.
Ooni explained that Afro-Brazilians like their counterparts in Brazil have done a lot to prove their love and support for the country, urging President Lula not to renege on his promise of an inclusive pro-African government.
“I can remember very vividly when your visi to Nigeria in 2003 during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s term, you still have the love and respect of the African people. We have you in our prayers and we pray that the Almighty Olodumare (God) continues to be with you, with your darling wife who is my daughter, and your administration. Africa is proud of you.
In his response, President Lula da Silva thanked Ooni for his love for him and his wife who he referred to as ‘Ooni’s daughter’ and lauded the king for his mission towards reunification of not just the Afro-Brazilians but also Africans worldwide which he believes means well for the global peace.
President Lula told Ooni that the efforts of the Afro-Brazilians towards nation-building in Brazil can not be over-emphasized, adding that his government is committed to strengthening the ties between Brazil and Africa which is the home continent of his people.
Earlier in the day, the Ooni was at the Federal House of Representatives Chamber in Brasilia where he addressed a special parliamentary session organized in his honour.
The Parliament’s Deputy Speaker, Hon. Deputado Vicentinho Requerente, who led other lawmakers to receive Ooni, described him as a caring father whom the Afro-Brazilian community holds in very high esteem.
The monarch was accompanied by his wives, Olori Mariam Anako Ogunwusi and Olori Aderonke-Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, alongside about 40 entourage including notable Yoruba monarchs.
