Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi: Summit Drives Health Unity

Nigeria witnessed an unprecedented gathering of faith and traditional leaders focused on tackling the country’s health challenges, with the Ooni of Ife, Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, describing the summit as a historic step toward national collaboration and unity.

Speaking after the meeting, the monarch said the summit marked the first time leaders from diverse religious and traditional institutions across Nigeria assembled on such a scale to address public health concerns. He stressed that traditional rulers serve as custodians of their communities and must now work closely with political authorities to improve citizens’ wellbeing.

According to him, the key outcome of the summit is a shared commitment to partner with government institutions, particularly the presidency and the Federal Ministry of Health, to strengthen health interventions nationwide. He noted that Southern traditional rulers collectively pledged their support and reaffirmed their readiness to act as a unified body in advancing agreed resolutions.

The Ooni emphasized that the Southern Traditional Rulers Council remains a voluntary platform but has grown into what he called a formidable force among traditional institutions. He said its strength lies in the credibility and influence of its members, who operate independently in their respective domains yet are united by a common national purpose.

Addressing concerns about regional inclusion, the monarch dismissed any suggestion of division, insisting that rulers from the Southeast remain actively involved in joint efforts. He pointed to the presence of prominent Southeast traditional leaders at the summit as evidence of ongoing cooperation aimed at strengthening national development.

He urged Nigerians to prioritize credible information and avoid spreading rumors, warning that misinformation, especially on social media, undermines serious national conversations. The monarch described responsible communication as essential to addressing real issues affecting the country, particularly in the health sector.

The summit is expected to serve as a foundation for sustained collaboration between cultural, religious, and political leadership, with participants signaling continued engagement on policies that directly impact public welfare.