Niger-Delta militant, Asari Dokubo, has visited the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, and invited the monarch to the Se Diye (Coronation) ceremony in December, in Rivers State.

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday, by the Senior Media Officer of Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs of the palace, Moses Olafare.

Mr Olafare said, “The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has hosted the Amanyanabo of the Source, Elem-Kalabari, Torusarama-Piri, in Rivers State, Alhaji Mujahid Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

“The visit provided an opportunity for the Kalabari monarch to formally invite the Ooni to the forthcoming Se Diye (Coronation) ceremony scheduled for December 19, 2026, in Buguma, Rivers State.”

Mr Dokubo, also known as Da Amakiri Tubo, during the visit emphasised the importance of fostering cordial relationships among traditional rulers, noting that traditional institutions remain vital to community development, conflict resolution and preservation of cultural heritage.

He said, “He acknowledged the Ooni’s distinguished leadership and commitment to peace, unity and responsible traditional stewardship, describing the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among traditional institutions across Nigeria.”

Also speaking the meeting, Mr Adeyeye, described Mr Dokubo, as a fearless personality, adding humorously that “the fear of Asari Dokubo is the beginning of wisdom,” while also appreciating his relationship with President Bola Tinubu. 

Mr Adeyeye, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), appreciated Mr Dokubo’s visit and the invitation to the coronation.

The statement noted, “He also expressed his desire to establish stronger cultural, historical and economic ties between Elem Kalabari and Ile-Ife, noting that sustained engagement between traditional institutions could promote a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse cultural identities and shared heritage.”

He commended Mr Dokubo for the wisdom and maturity with which he had handled his affairs since ascending the throne, noting that effective traditional leadership requires courage, prudence and a commitment to the welfare of the people.

Mr Adeyeye, as a mark of honour and goodwill, presented a bronze artwork to Mr Dokubo.

He explained that the gift symbolised the importance of the people to a leader, adding that the strength of any traditional institution rested on the support, loyalty and well-being of the people it serves.