By Gbenga Ojo
Yorubas in Uvwie Local Government area, Delta State gathered en mass to witness the confirmation of Salami Olaniyi as the first Asiwaju (Leader) of all the Yorubas in Uvwie local government area of the state by Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1.
The event which took place at the Ovie palace in Effurun followed the nomination of Olaniyi as Asiwaju by the Yorubas in Uvwie.
Blessing the Asiwaju after he was presented to him, the Ovie welcomed the Yoruba community and appreciated them for the peace they have been maintaining in the community, including their participation in elections.
The Royal Majesty encourages the yorubas to give their children proper education.
“Some youths are under our scholarship scheme including non indigenes ( Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa), and we are ready to do more.”
“We do not discriminate, we will always carry everybody along, be it any tribe.” He added.
The Abe1, who used the opportunity to invite the Yoruba community for his 10th coronation anniversary that is coming up in February, was assured by the Asiwaju that all the Yorubas in Uvwie will be present at the event.
Olaniyi appreciated the monarch for his wisdom, support and kindness. He described the people of Uvwie as very accommodative.
In his words, “I say a big thank you for the confidence you all have in me, which prompted my nomination for this great position. I promise to make the welfare and unity of Yorubas in Uvwie my top priority.”
Olaniyi who is the CEO of Niyi Joyin Nigeria Enterprises, is a native of Osogbo, Osun State and he was born and brought up in Delta State.
The new Asiwaju was the initiator and Chairman of Yoruba Consultative Forum which was formed many years ago to unite Yorubas, having known that Yorubas were living separately in Delta State, instead of living together for a common course.
Funke Rotifa, the organizer of the yearly Yoruba cultural day in Delta State said, “I am very happy to witness this great occasion, it is a good step. I strongly believe that it will strengthen the unity of Yorubas in the state and promote our rich cultural heritage.”
