Inside Nigeria
COVID-19: Ooni Donates Two Motorised Fumigators to Ondo
.Says I Don't Want to Be King Over Dead Bodies
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday donated two motorised modular fumigators to the Ondo State Government in support of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ogunwusi made the presentation to Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State at the Government House in Akure.
The traditional ruler also provided a fumigator-drone to the state government for use for a period of time.
He urged Nigerians to evolve ideas which could help stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic instead of unnecessary criticisms.
The Ooni said: “I am leading by example for every other person to know that COVID-19 is real. We cannot continue to rest on our oars.
“We have to look for solutions internally, solutions within ourselves that can take this nation to another level.
“We are fond of abusing our leaders, talking down on them. What are you doing to contribute your own quota to the system?”
Responding, Akeredolu thanked the Ooni for his gesture, saying the state was appreciative of his support in the fight against the pandemic.
He further expressed interest in acquiring more motorised modular fumigators for the state.
Akeredolu, however, advised residents to abide by the rules put in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 in the state.
The Royal majesty also declared that he decided to support the fight against COVID-19 because he does not want to be king over dead bodies.
The Ooni stated that it became necessary for him to assist state government check the spread of COVID-19 because he does not want to be king over dead bodies.
He said the drone was meant to fumigate areas not accessible by vehicles adding that the state government would only use the drone for a period before returning it.
Oba Ogunwusi said the fumigators were fabricated locally by an Osun State indigene based in Ondo State, Mr. Victor Badejo, and all the materials used for the equipment were sourced locally.
According to Ooni, “Nigerians should look at how the citizenry could explore all available resources for the development of the nation after the pandemic is conquered.
“The mixtures used for fumigation were put together by Obafemi Awolowo University’s Prof. Olapeju Esima, a World Health Organization (WHO) consultant.
“I appeal to Nigerians to adhere strictly to all the precautionary measures being handed down by the government to prevent the spread of the dreadful virus.”