Ooni to Kalu: Don’t begrudge those attacking you

Opeyemi Adesina

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade II, has appealed to former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, not to take offence against anyone attacking him now.

Sijuwade said rather than revenge, Kalu should continue to pray for his place of birth, Igbere in Abia State; his state, Abia; and Nigeria in general.

The foremost traditional ruler, according to a statement on Saturday by Kalu’s Special Adviser, Media, Emeka Obasi, spoke when Kalu visited him on Wednesday in his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Sijuwade, who described Kalu as one of the few leaders that have contributed to the progress of the country, told the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Progressive Peoples Alliance: |You are one of the few leaders who has contributed so well to the progress of the country. 

“I can never forget you as a person.

“This country can never forget you.

“Your present predicament is for you to learn.

“God will not leave you and your family.

“You just leave everything to God.

“Don’t be annoyed with anybody. 

“Leave everything to God. 

“Pray to God for the whole nation. 

“Your name is greater than what you think. 

“You worked so hard in life to make money to help people. 

“I have told you and I am saying it again: Don't be annoyed with anybody but continue your prayers to God. 

“Anywhere you go, success will be yours by the special grace of God.”

Sijuwade also informed Kalu that a committee of traditional rules, of which he is one, is working assiduously to ensure harmonious existence in the country.

Sijuwade, who listed the Emir of Kano and Obi of Onitsha as the two other traditional rulers involved in the initiative, said he believes with their intervention, religious and political harmony will return to the country.

He said: “We are a committee of three traditional rulers out to make all Nigerians happy. 

“We are moving as one entity to show good examples to Nigerians.”

He then further advised Kalu not to abandon Nigeria because of the unwarranted attack on his person, adding: “Don't forget Nigeria. 

“Don't leave Nigeria.”

Kalu had earlier told the highly revered monarch that traditional rulers should bring their authority to bear on the security situation in the country.

He said it had become worrisome that religion had become a source of division in the country.

Kalu, who canvassed constitutional riles for eminent traditional rulers, prayed to God to grant the Ooni long life in good health.