The Olu made the submission in his palace in Warri while receiving in audience the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, who paid him a courtesy visit on Monday, stressing that the two institutions are not necessarily antithetical.
The Soun was accompanied on the visit by the Akogun of Ogbomoso Land, Air Vice Marshal Bolaji Adigun (retd.) and other dignitaries.
While debunking the assumption from some quarters that traditional institutions were synonymous with superstition and the worship of man-made gods, the Olu of Warri said he was elated by Soun of Ogbomoso’s royal visit.
According to him, the Soun’s choice of Warri kingdom as his first to visit shortly after his installation, was “divinely directed just as his choice for the throne was divinely ordained”.
Recall that the new Soun of Ogbomoso, was a senior pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God before his call to the throne and installation on September 8, 2023.
Both Warri and Ogbomoso kingdoms have rich histories that date back centuries.
Atuwatse III maintained that monarchs have a divine obligation to lead in righteousness, justice, fairness and equity, noting that “these are not empty abstractions but compelling ideals.”
The Soun of Ogbomoso, in his address, said, “Your Majesty Ogiame and I are destined to lead in using what I have termed cultural diplomacy for development to transform our traditional institutions into impactful partners in the quest for accelerated growth and development for our people.
“Your Majesty’s masterful play as the lead cultural ambassador of the Iwere people is evident today in our country and around the globe.”
“We and others who discern this virtue can see how it will attract ever-needed economic progress to your people.
