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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar paid a visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in his palace in Ile Ife.
Atiku, who was accompanied by his wife, Titi, and ofher PDP chieftains, made the visit as part of his presidential campaign tour of Osun state.
In his speech, Atiku described the visit as a symbol of respect for the monarch and the kingdom of Ife as the source of Yoruba.
“Ile-Ife as the source of Yoruba race has undoubtedly impacted beyond Nigeria, and this visit is genuine to pay respect to the kingdom. All I have to do is to appreciate the Ooni, the chiefs and everyone here for making today a success,” he said.
In his response, Ooni Ogunwusi urged Atiku and other politicians across the country to place Nigeria above any interest ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
A release issued by the palace Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, quoted the Ooni who is the Co-Chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, as saying: “We must put Nigeria first, because the country is greater than any interest.
“Though we are improving as a country, but we must do more especially by avoiding politics of aggression either as a member of the ruling party or the opposition.”
The PDP chieftains in Atiku’s delegation include: National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus; former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke and former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs Erelu Olusola Obada.
Others are Hon. Albert Adeogun, Prof. Wale Oladipo, Senator Bamigbetan Baju, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, Mr. Adenigba Fadahunsi, Abimbola Ajilesoro, Akinwale Gbenga Owolabi, Hon. Wale Ojo Power, Dr Ayoade Adewopo, Osun State House of Assembly minority leader, Hon. Akinwole Safiriyu among others.