By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
South African Monarch advocates African unity at Olojo Festival in Nigeria
His Majesty, Raba Gaye Konjwa, highlights the need for continental unity and cultural preservation at the 2023 Olojo Festival.
During the grand finale of the 2023 Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State, His Majesty Raba Gaye Konjwa of the Ndebele Nation, South Africa, urged Africans to come together and address the challenges facing the continent. The festival culminated with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, donning the sacred Are crown in a symbolic display of cultural significance.
In his address, Konjwa, accompanied by a substantial delegation, emphasized the importance of Africans returning to the continent to contribute to solutions for its challenges. He lamented the existing divisions within Africa and called for the preservation of cultural heritage, urging an end to internal conflicts among Africans.
“We have been so concerned about the issue in the entire Africa, that us Africans, we are so divided and we were wondering what was the problem about us as South Africans. Why Africans do not unite? We can unite in the entire of Africa, mind you, together we stand, divided we fall as Africans. So we need to unite and protect our indigenous, protect our tradition,” expressed Konjwa.
The monarch stressed the need to confront external influences that seek to exploit African divisions and called for a return to traditional leadership. He emphasized unity among African leaders and encouraged Africans living abroad to reconnect with their roots.
Dr. Biyi Odunlade, the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations in Osun State, emphasized that the Olojo Festival serves as a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the race. He stated, “The Essence of Olojo festival is to celebrate us as a race. Celebrate our language, our culture and traditions, hence, the people rally around the Ooni to ensure that our culture and traditions are adequately preserved.”