President Muhammadu Buhari this afternoon congratulated Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on his emergence as the 51st Ooni of Ife and successor to the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade. He extended the congratulations via a statement by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity Femi Adesina, tasking the incoming monarch to provide the right leadership for his people.

Part of Adesina’s statement reads: “President Buhari rejoices with Prince Adeyeye on his nomination as Ooni by the kingmakers of Ife after a keenly contested but peaceful selection process, and confirmation yesterday by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State.

“As he prepares to begin the rites of ascension to the revered throne of his great ancestors, President Buhari urges the Ooni-designate to commit himself to carrying all his subjects along to a new era of peace, stability and progress in Ife, Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

“The President calls on Prince Adeyeye to be prepared to put his new position as Ooni and principal custodian of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Yorubas to good use in the service of his people and country.

“President Buhari also urges the Ooni-designate to dedicate himself to building on, and surpassing the worthy legacies of his much-acclaimed predecessor, Oba Sijuwade, and working with government and other traditional rulers across the country to foster greater harmony, peaceful co-existence and faster socio-economic development of his people and all Nigerians.

“As Prince Adeyeye ascends to the grand throne of the Ooni of Ife, the President prays that God Almighty will grant him the immense wisdom and courage he will require to oversee further progress and greater prosperity for his people.

“He wishes the new Ooni a long and highly successful reign in the service of his people and country.”

•Photo shows incoming Ooni of Ife, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.