His Imperial Majesty, King Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, visited Birmingham City University yesterday (Nov 24) as he seeks to strengthen ties between the UK institution and the more than 40 million people he represents in Africa.
On arrival, he was warmly received to the Chatham House lecture host, Mr. Robert Dewar (CMG) who was formerly a UK diplomat that served predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa, including as British high commissioner to Nigeria and permanent representative to ECOWAS, ambassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative to the AU, high commissioner to Mozambique and ambassador to Madagascar at Chatham House.
Accompanied with his entourage, the Ooni’s visit provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of around 1,000 graduates from the University who live in Nigeria and who hold eminent positions in fields as diverse as banking and finance, higher education and government.
King Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, said: “It’s an honour to be in front of all of you, and particularly to be here at Birmingham City University. Most importantly I want to thank the Vice-Chancellor for taking his time to welcome all of us to this beautiful University. It’s a great honour and we will not forget what you have done today.
“We are proud to be associated with this University and to be in the thoughts and feelings of your students who are potential leaders of our great country of Nigeria and the entire black race.”
He also spoke of the historic significance of Africa and appealed for global unity. “Africa is the next frontier if the entire world. It is a continent that everyone has a stake in. All of humanity has a stake in it. Everyone has a cot there, that’s where the entire history of mankind began,” he said. “We belong to one big happy family and that’s what we should preach.”
The Ooni’s visit was hosted by Birmingham City University’s new £57 million Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where His Imperial Majesty addressed a gathered crowd in the building’s Concert Hall. Prior to this, Vice Lord-Lieutenant Dr Beverly Lindsay welcomed the Ooni on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, who also granted the Conservatoire its Royal title in September this year.
Speeches were also given by Oluwadamilola Adebambo, President of the Nigerian Society at Birmingham City University Students’ Union (BCSU) and Akin Babasanya, University alumnus and President of the Yoruba Descendants in the Midlands. It is thought there are almost 100,000 Yoruba people currently living in the UK.
Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor, Birmingham City University, said: “We welcome over 24,000 students from around 80 countries and our Nigerian scholars are integral to our diversity and success going forward. Today’s visit by His Imperial Majesty is a chance for us to reflect on our collective past, present and future, and celebrate the success of our Nigerian students, both here and in their home country.
“I hope today will mark the beginning of even more fruitful partnerships between Birmingham City University and Nigeria, and the Yoruba people in particular.”
Following his speech, the Vice-Chancellor announced, in the Ooni’s honour, that a series of partial scholarships would be made available to prospective Yoruba students commencing their studies in 2018 at Birmingham City University. The scholarship, based on merit, was further marked by the exchange of a commemorative plate from the Vice-Chancellor to His Imperial Majesty.
The event in Birmingham concluded with a performance from a Nigerian student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Classical singer John Eclou from Edo State was accompanied by postgraduate Stefanos Politsakis from Greece on the piano and received a standing ovation from the gathered crowd. Gifts were also exchanged on the stage before a lunch comprising of traditional English and Nigerian cuisines was served.
Photo credit: Michael Tube Creations
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