Soun visits Nasarawa, canvasses cultural unity
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, at the Government House, Lafia.
According to the monarch, the visit—facilitated by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd)—reflected the enduring role of Nigeria’s royal heritage in fostering unity across regional and ethnic lines.
The Soun noted that the visit was a symbolic gathering aimed at deepening the alliance between traditional institutions and promoting national cohesion and cultural diplomacy.
In a statement, the Soun said: “As I arrived in the welcoming land of Nasarawa, I was profoundly touched by the warmth and loyalty shown by the sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland residing in this part of the country. Their presence and affection were a testament to our enduring bond, and they received my entourage and me — HRM Oba Oyetunji Adeyeye (Alajawa of Ajawa), AVM Bolaji Adigun (Akogun of Ogbomosoland), Dr. Samson Adegoke, and Prof. Sola Adepoju — with great honour and love.”
“A particularly moving highlight of the visit was my reception by Her Excellency, Hajia Silifat Abdullahi A. Sule, the gracious First Lady of Nasarawa State and an illustrious daughter of Ogbomosoland. Her warm welcome, in the company of the Emir of Lafia and other emirs, left an indelible mark. In a deeply emotional moment before a gathering of our people, Her Excellency rendered an Ogbomoso song — a heartfelt gesture that stirred me profoundly and reaffirmed the beauty of our shared cultural heritage.
“Her reception was not only generous and dignified; it was filled with pride, affection, and a deep sense of identity. It was an expression of love for Ogbomoso and a powerful reminder of the strength of our legacy.
“Experiences such as this reaffirm that the spirit of Ogbomosoland lives vibrantly in all corners of the world. Our sons and daughters carry with them, wherever they go, a royal legacy — one of honour, dignity, and excellence,” the statement added.
