Dickson is a Born Leader - Ooni of Ife

By Pat PA Okon

                                                           
Ooni of Ife, Ooni Enitan Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi, (Ojaja II), on Thursday paid glowing tributes to the visiting Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, describing him as a leader destined by God to rule.

The monarch said Dickson remained an epitome of humility, good leadership and positive virtues anointed by God to engender positive change!

A press statement by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary,  Francis Ottah Agbo said, the Ooni spoke during a courtesy call on him by Dickson in his palace at Ile-Ife.  He also said he looked forward to the day all politicians would come together, irrespective of their political differences, to preach on how to stop politics of bitterness.The Governor was at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife to deliver a lecture on Restructuring Nigeria.

He said, “I’m always happy that you are always honouring me. Little things matter a lot, may God Almighty continue to honour you. You have a very intimidating structure, your style of leadership is exemplary. I appreciate your humility and sense of leadership.

“You are a born leader, God has ordained you to be a leader. It is a great honour to have you here in Ife. This is your home and you’re back in your home. You’re a part of us and we are happy that you are back home.”

While calling for peace among the political actors, Oba Ogunwusi said, since Nigeria belongs to everybody, the citizens should strive towards making the country a better place.

He said, “Nigeria is ours and we don’t have another country of our own. The spirit of our ancestors will continue to be with you (Dickson); I look forward to a day that the different political parties will come together and stop politics of bitterness. I’m always imploring all our leaders to know that Nigeria is bigger than everybody.”

Your eminence, I’m your son and have led this delegation to OAU to deliver a special message. I bring you greetings from the government of Bayelsa State. I thank you for the great reception.

Earlier, Dickson expressed appreciation for the love and interest the monarch had for him, the government and my people of Bayelsa State.

He said, “We are proud for the leadership you have given to our people, since your ascension to the throne. I thank you for expanding the ascension of my people.

“I’ve been invited to speak on some burning issues, including the need for the restructuring of Nigeria at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. We are here to pay homage to you as the representative of our people. I’ve been observing the dept of the tradition of our people.

The governor was invited to speak on the topic: “Restructuring and the Search for a Productive Nigeria,” as a Distinguished Guest Lecturer of the Faculty of Arts in OAU Ile-Ife.

“I hope to be in the university to give an input on the need for the restructuring of Nigeria to ensure a safe country. We have to restructure our nation to ensure a great country. I want t say that, I know that, at all times the doors of this palace are open for me.”