The ancient town of Kota, Omuo Ekiti erupted in jubiliation as eminent Yoruba leaders on Sunday 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 lOadetship. 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 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 Yoruba's. 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 own 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.
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 member from Shaki, Oyo State, Hon. Sina Pella, members of the Ekiti State Executive Council, members of the State House of Aseembly, community leaders, youth groups and women associations across Ekiti State and beyond.