Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has received the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he commended the Catholic Church for its service to humanity and contributions to the development of society.
The bishops, who are in the state for the Second Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to the monarch as part of activities surrounding the gathering. The plenary is being hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo from September 10 to 18, 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the delegation was led by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso.
Among the dignitaries in the delegation were the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; the Bishop of Ekwulobia, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke; the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty; the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Ojeleke Abegunrin; the Bishop of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola; and the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah.
Other Catholic bishops, priests and officials of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria also accompanied the delegation.
Receiving the bishops, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed appreciation for their visit and described the Catholic Church as an institution whose voice commands significant respect in Nigeria and beyond.
The Ooni, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), said the Church had distinguished itself through advocacy, discipline, prayers and its commitment to serving humanity.
“Thank you for coming to Ife, where it all began. In our country, we don’t joke with bishops. Their voices are very powerful; anything you say, the entire country and even the continent usually feel it,” the Ooni said.
He further commended the bishops for their advocacy for humanity and their contributions to promoting the welfare of society.
“I grew up in the midst of the Catholic community. I am so happy that I am in your midst today. The Catholic mission is so disciplined; everything is very organised,” OoniOgunwusi said.
The Ooni also praised the Catholic clergy for what he described as their sacrifice and dedication to humanity, adding that their contributions deserved appreciation.
Earlier, Ndagoso thanked the Ooni for receiving the bishops and said the delegation considered the visit important because of the historical and cultural significance of Ile-Ife.
He described Ile-Ife as the cradle of Yoruba culture and the throne of the Ooni as an important symbol of the history, identity and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The CBCN president commended the Ooni’s efforts in promoting peace, national unity, youth development and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Ndagoso said the Catholic Church recognised the traditional institution as an important partner in preserving history and cultural values, strengthening communal bonds and providing counsel to communities.
He said traditional and religious leaders had complementary roles to play in addressing social challenges confronting the country.
Ndagoso urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying and called for transparent, free, fair and credible elections.
Ndagoso focused on the need for stronger cooperation between religious and traditional institutions in promoting peaceful coexistence, protecting young people, strengthening families and combating violence and criminality.
He said Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, poverty, corruption, unemployment and divisions along ethnic and religious lines, required collective efforts from government, traditional institutions, religious bodies and citizens.
Ndagoso said the Church was willing to deepen its collaboration with traditional institutions through dialogue, education, healthcare and humanitarian initiatives, irrespective of people’s ethnic, religious or political backgrounds.
He thanked the Ooni for the reception and prayed for wisdom, strength and long life for the Ooni, as well as peace in Ile-Ife, Osun State and Nigeria.
