The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has renewed his call for Afro-Brazilians to reconnect with their African roots, promising a warm welcome to those seeking to return to their ancestral homeland.
The monarch made the call while congratulating Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, according to a statement from the Ooni’s Palace.
Ogunwusi said Lula’s renewed mandate offered an opportunity to strengthen cultural, trade and diplomatic relations between Brazil and African countries, particularly Nigeria and the Yoruba community.
The palace recalled the Ooni’s five-day visit to Brazil in 2023, during which he launched initiatives under his “Back To Home” programme to encourage Afro-Brazilians to reconnect with their ancestral heritage.
During the visit, the monarch met Brazilian leaders and communities in several cities, including Brasília, where he held talks with Lula on strengthening ties between Brazil and Africa.
He also advocated direct air links between Nigeria and Brazil to boost trade, tourism and cultural exchange.
The Ooni said people of African descent in the diaspora should work with communities on the continent to promote unity and shared development. He also offered to welcome people of Yoruba heritage to Ile-Ife, which he described as their ancestral home.
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