Sultan performs Ojaja varsity Ile-Ife Campus groundbreaking, with Ooni, Orangun, Deji of Akure, Emirs of Keffi, Ankpa, Borgu, Katagum in attendance

By KEMI KASUMU

Sultan Abubakar said though he has been working with him as co-chair and twin brother in the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife said that, “I know the Sultan is the senior and elder brother full of leadership experience, wisdom and strategy.”

In continued indication of love and respect he earns across the regions and religions sections of Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, HFNIM, has again been given the honour to perform groundbreaking of the Ojaja University Ile-Ife Campus project, which is an institution of higher learning established by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

The Sultan, who attended the event as part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, was accompanied by some high caliber Northern traditional leaders including the Emir of Keffi His Royal Highness Alhaji Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, the Emir of Ankpa, Kogi State His Royal Highness Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed Yakubu II, Emir of Azare, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Umar Faruk II, who is also the Emir of Katagum, Emir of Borgu Kingdom, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammed Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV (Mai Borgu), Senior Counsellor Sultanate Council Sokoto and Sa’i Kilgori, Alhaji Muhammad Jabi Kilgori, PhD, AMNIM, and Galadima Garin Sokoto, His Royal Highness Alhaji Attahiru Aliyu Galadanci, with the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Deji of Akure Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, among several other eminent persons witnessing the occasion.

The DEFENDER reports that the groundbreaking event was part of activities marking the Ooni’s 10th coronation anniversary and his commitment to expanding the kingdom’s developmental legacy.

In his speech the Sultan welcomed all the dignitaries and congratulated Oba Ogunwusi for investing in tertiary education to empower the youth and humanity, just like the Sultan is busy engaging himself in the philanthropic works of providing scholarships for students in North and South to study relevant courses including medicine as way of creating a Nigerian society where education leads the way under the fear of God.

He recalled attending the first convocation of the Ojaja University in Kwara State two years ago and also acknowledged the Ooni of Ife’s attendance of his 10th Anniversary ceremony 2016 in Sokoto, signifying the long standing brotherhood, confidence and trust between the two eminent traditional leaders in world’s largest black nation, wich he said remains till death.

“Leaving a legacy is the best you can do in your life,” he said. “I am grateful to the Almighty that in our time we have people like the Ooni who are truly committed to improving the lives of our people.”

He described the Ooni as his “twin brother,” noting that they frequently consult and reach consensus on critical issues before taking public positions.

Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar dismissed negative commentaries often directed at leaders, saying such criticisms are inevitable for those in positions of authority.

“If you are a leader, people must say negative things about you. If you are a nobody, nobody will bother,” he said. “Do not answer such people; responding only elevates them.”

He urged Nigerians to pray for all leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, and traditional rulers. “We are the ones closest to the people, and we know their pains and their cries,” he added.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor/Founder of the Ojaja University and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, appreciated the Sultan for always being there for him. He recalled the Sultan attended his coronation ceremony in December, 2015 spending three days with him.

He said though he has been working with him as co-chair and twin brother in the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife said that “I know the Sultan is the senior and elder brother full of leadership experience, wisdom and strategy.”

The Ooni said his investment in the University is for the sake of legacy and assured admission will soon start as NUC accreditation has been secured.

He expressed gratitude to all who have supported him since the beginning of his reign, particularly his wives and fellow monarchs within and outside Ile-Ife.

Reflecting on the Ojaja University project, he recounted its long journey, which began in Ilorin, Kwara State, when the earlier institution — Crown Hill University — faced collapse.

“Six years ago, rather than allow the university to completely collapse, I took it upon myself,” he said.

He described the project as a challenging but meaningful investment, adding that, anyone who sets up a university thinking they will make money from it is mistaken. It should be a legacy project, he said.

The Ooni said the groundbreaking of the Ojaja University campus marks the most significant highlight of his 10th anniversary, declaring the project a generational gift dedicated to education and youth development.

The Sultan, thereafter, undertook the groundbreaking and unveiling of the Ojaja University Ile-Ife Campus Sign Logo with prayers for its success.