The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has equated leadership positions with that of a steward, who is meant to serve others.
Mr. Ogunwusi said this on Monday at his Ile Oodua Palace, Enuwa, Ile-Ife, while receiving Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
The minister, who led a team to Ile-Ife, was on a courtesy visit to the Ooni as part of his presidential candidacy consultation.
El Ooni described the minister as one of the luckiest politicians in the country, noting that Nigerians had much to gain from his rich experience.
“You have been relevant since the beginning of this republic; it is for a reason and I urge you to use that grace for the betterment of all Nigerians.
“What is obvious in your team is the inclusion of women, I am proud of this and I want you to continue doing more in this regard.
“Women are so powerful, especially when given leadership opportunities, they see what men don’t see,” Ooni said.
Earlier in his speech, Mr. Amaechi praised the oba for preserving and upholding the prestigious Yoruba culture.
He said that the governance of the country had much to benefit from the traditional institution.
He said that he decided to start his consultation and visit from Ile-Ife because “the ancient city is the Source.
“If I am elected President of Nigeria in 2023, I will sit down with the National Assembly to address the relevance of the traditional institution in Nigeria.
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“It is necessary to consult our traditional rulers to bring governance closer to the people,” said the presidential hopeful.
On his presidential ambition, Amaechi, 56, described himself as the bridge between the country’s younger and older generations, adding that he was the most qualified.
“With all due respect to my brothers from APC, PDP and other political parties, I am the most qualified in this current race.
“I am grateful to God for the opportunities he has given me over the years,” he said.
Senate Army Committee Chairman Ali Ndume, who heads Mr. Amaechi’s campaign team, led other dignitaries to the palace.
(YAYA)