As the Senate Presidency and Speakership race in the incoming 10th National Assembly hits up, the Ooni of Ife, HRM Enitan Ogunwusi, has been receiving contenders who want royal blessings.
The revered traditional ruler has been on a private visit to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in the last few days.
His temporary residence has been besieged by the top contenders in both chambers of the National Assembly who seek blessings and the monarch’s support.
Since arriving in Abuja, the Ooni of Ife has received two contenders for the Senate Presidency, Abdulaziz Yari and Senator Godswill Akpabio, and one for the Speakership, Hon Idris Wase.
Speaking to Hon Wase during his visit, the monarch said:
“You stepped down for our son in 2019 without hesitation because of your respect for leadership and order. Respect is reciprocal, and you shall have it back a million times and in kind.
”We support your aspiration, and you will be rewarded for your respect and humility.”
During Senator Akpabio’s visit, the monarch prayed for his success and urged him to carry his colleagues along if he wins.
The Ooni of Ife is widely regarded as the most powerful monarch in southwest Nigeria, where the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is from.
The traditional ruler is also highly respected by Tinubu, which is not lost on the top contenders in the incoming 10th National Assembly.
