African views report on the his imperial majesty, the ooni of ife's mission to the us in 2016

His Imperial Majesty

Oba, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja

REPORT ON THE SPIRIT OF PEACE INITIATIVE BY

THE SPIRIT OF PEACE AND CULTURAL HARMONY INITIATIVE The Spirit of Peace initiative focuses on highlighting and observing the role of culture in security and sustainable development. Its main objective is to identify available roles and areas where indigenous institutions can take leadership for harmony, peace, and security. Therefore we planned a discussion panel comprising of African Kings and Native American chiefs to discuss the needs and challenges of their subjects in achieving sustainable development. The initiative includes other programs promoting mutual respect, mutually benevolent interests, cultural integrity and economic prosperity for all. This is an African Views initiative.

Report by: Wale Idris Ajibade, Executive Director, African Views Organization www.africanviews.org Email: av@africanviews.org Tel: 646-226-0262

REPORT ON THE SPIRIT OF PEACE INITIATIVE This report details African Views Organization’s role and contribution in making this the Yoruba monarch’s world mission a success. African Views, under the steering committee of Dr. Julius Garvey (Son of the Honorable Marcus Garvey, Dr. Barryl Biekman, Mr. Tony Regusters, Chief Wômpimeequin Wampatuck, Regina Askia Williams, Philly Jemba, Omolungo Kato (emissary of the Ugandan Kabaka), and our Patron, HRM King Aderemi Adedapo, the Alayemore of Ido Osun had been working on a the Spirit of Peace and Cultural Harmony for over two years before the Ooni’s visit in 2016. King Alayemore the secretary of the National Council of Nigerian Traditional Rulers, requested that we utilize the opportunity to introduce the program to the Ooni of Ife by setting up some important programs for the Monarchs at the United Nations, African Union and the US state Department in DC.

REPORT ON THE SPIRIT OF PEACE INITIATIVE The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba, Dr. Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II arrived in the United States on June 9, 2016 with the mission to re-connect the cultural ties with African diaspora, promote peace and new opportunity for Prosperity. His Imperial Majesty’s entourage consisted of esteemed Obas’, Chiefs, and dignitaries from Ile Ife and beyond. The Ooni visited major cities across many states within the United States on his 20 day tour from June 9th -27th, 2016. The kings were welcomed by a crowds of supporters, admirers and well-wishers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and District of Columbia. His Imperial Majesty, Oba, Dr. Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife from Ile-Ife mission was very successful. The monarchs accomplished all they had planned to achieve, including advance relationships between the citizens of Yoruba land and the USA, attract foreign investors for economic development in Yoruba regions and environments, and most importantly plant a seed for everlasting peace and cultural harmony.

AFRICAN VIEWS PROGRAMS FOR INDIGENEOUS KINGS AND CHIEFS Scheduled Monarchs Programs • Role of Culture in Sustainable Development at the United Nations • Partnering with the Traditional Rulers of Africa at the African Union • Partnering with Indigenous leaders of the Americas at the United Nations • Monarch’s Conference at the African Union • Monarch’s Conference at The Smithsonian Museum of African Arts • The Book of Kings (Book Publication) • Genome project at the National Geographic

ROYAL WELCOMING OF AFRICAN KINGS TO AMERICA The AV Monarch’s program focused on welcoming the African King’s to the United States. It included presentations and speeches on the Kings’ economic and social programs as well as the message of unity of strength and cultures to the Diaspora. The main event featured a never before experienced ceremonial performance of proper ceremonial welcome of the African Kings by the National Associations of Councils of Indigenous Chiefs of North America to their ancestral lands at the African Union. The program also featured small performances, several awards to the kings and speeches from various country representatives. It also featured speeches and presentations from various Kings, Indigenous Chiefs from North America, US politicians, consulate delegate, selective members of the professional associations, corporate entities and invited guests. Prominent among those honored at the event are as follows:  His Imperial Majesty, Oba, Dr. Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife , And Chairman Of The National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria, NCTRN and Her Majesty Olori Wuraola Zynab Otiti Ogunwusi  His Imperial Majesty Ronald Edward Frederick Kimera Muwenda Mutebi, the reigning Kabaka of the Kingdom of Buganda  His Eminence, Amirul Mumineen Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar Iv, The Sultan Of Sokoto, President-general Of The Nigerian National Supreme Council For Islamic And Co-chairman Of The National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria, NCTRN  Prominent Obas from Yorubalands: Including HRH The Alake of Egbaland, Orangun of Ila, Timi of Ede, Olufon of Ifon, Olubaka of Oka-Akoko, Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Elerinmo of Erinmo- Ijesa, Onidera of Idera, Alaraoodaye of Araland Ife Kingdom, Osolo of Isolo  HRH Oba Aderemi Adedapo, the Alayemore of Ido-Osun, secretary of the Nigerian Royal Council and Yoruba Monarchs  His Royal Majesty Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the 21st Obi of Onitsha  International Investment and Trading partners  His Royal Majesty Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V the Obong of Calabar  Prominent Tribal Chiefs from the Americas  Representatives of the Ashanti Kingdoms  Members of the NY/NJ Government representatives | African Union member states | CARICOM Member States| Celebrities/ public figures  The community of Garifuna, Indigenous group representatives from Africa, South and North America

MONARCHS CONFERENCE ON THE ECONOMICS OF CULTURE AND SPIRIT OF PEACE AGENDA

Friday, June 10, 2016

 Welcome Statement by Head of Mission: His Excellency Ambassador Tete Antonio, African Union Permanent Observer to the United Nations  Call to Order by His Excellency Ambassador Anthony Bosah (Acting Ambassador Charge d’ Affaires Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations  Chief of Ceremony by William A. Verdone, Chairman of the Board of African Views Organization African Union Permanent Observer to the United Nations 305 East 47th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10017

AMBASSADOR TETE ANTONIO WELCOMES THE OONI TO THE AFRICAN UNION

Ambassador Tete Antonio, from Angola has been a veteran in every sphere and every level of African independence movement. He is one of the greatest diplomat that Africa has on the frontline today. He is humble as he is gracious.

We remain very thankful to him for his support and encouragement on the spirit of peace and cultural harmony project. The Ambassador allowed the conference room to remain opened for the entire program as well as audience networking which lasted until midnight.

“This Conference room is sacred to us all Africans as it bears the name Nelson Mandela, but now we know for sure that this house has been blessed by your presence here today, you Majesty.” He said, I think the contribution of our roots is missing in our development and you are here to help fill this gap. I wish the 54 African Ambassadors are present here today to witness this occasion. Nonetheless, the room is small, so I am here to represent them all, and I am here to welcome you on behalf all the African diplomatic coup. He also agreed that there is no better way for molding peace than having the traditional rulers as intermediary. “Unless we use our traditional tools, the modern tools will not work”. “So, Your majesty, your role here is inspiring for the entire diplomatic community. The credit is not only for the traditional rulers from Africa, but also from the traditional chiefs of the Americas who are from here.” “We are all inspired by your presence and we are duly encouraged to being ourselves. Because it is by being yourself, that you can develop and improve yourself. Really, I am emotional by your presence here and really this house is blessed and blessed forever.”-- H.E Ambassador Tete Antonio, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations.

HIS EXCELLENCY AMBSSADOR TETE ANTONIO’s COMMENTS Ambassador Tete welcomes the Ooni to t the African Union, saying “This Conference room is sacred to us all Africans as it bears the name Nelson Mandela, but now we know for sure that this house has been blessed by your presence here today, you Majesty.” He said, I think the contribution of our roots is missing in our development and you are here to help fill this gap. I wish the 54 African Ambassadors are present here today to witness this occasion. Nonetheless, the room is small, so I am here to represent them all, and I am here to welcome you on behalf all the African diplomatic coup. He also agreed that there is no better way for molding peace than having the traditional rulers as intermediary. “Unless we use our traditional tools, the modern tools will not work”. “So, Your majesty, your role here is inspiring for the entire diplomatic community. The credit is not only for the traditional rulers from Africa, but also from the traditional chiefs of the Americas who are from here.” “We are all inspired by your presence and we are duly encouraged to being ourselves. Because it is by being yourself, that you can develop and improve yourself.

Really, I am emotional by your presence here and really this house is blessed and blessed forever.”

DIVERSITY. INCLUSION. HARMONY. PROSPERITY. PEACE.

Keynote speech delivered by His Royal Majesty, Oba, Adedapo Aderemi A. A. – Alaremo of Ido, other speakers include Mary Simat, Executive Director of Maasai Women for Education and Economic Development, Dr. Monica Sanchez, President CARICOM Foundation, Ambassador Mr. Guy Djoken President & CEO U.S. Federation of UNESCO Clubs, North American Indigenous Tribal Chiefs, Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, Senator Ron Rice/Chair of the NJ Legislature Black Caucus, Assemblyman Emeritus Mr. Carmelo G. Garcia, Chairman Verdone and Wale Idris Ajibade.

THE ONIDERA SPEAKS ON YOUTH INITIATIVE His Royal Highness Oba James Oladipo Aroko-Ola Buremoh, Ajagungbade 1, The Onidera of Idera, had arrived at earlier, though he was not part of the Ooni’s entourage but had been scheduled to speak at the event by the fashion presenter. His presence was helpful to assure the audience to expect the kings. Keep in mind we had invited several member state representatives, including the Ambassador of Sao Tome and Principe, whose speech was delivered by Dr. Judy Kuriansky. There were domestic and international diplomats and politicians present, as well as members of the local and international press coup. His Royal Highness Oba James Oladipo Aroko-Ola Buremoh gave a very moving speech about State of the Youths in Kwara State, Nigeria. gave a presentation on the sustainable development of the Youths in Kwara State, Nigeria.

GIFTS FROM THE CHINESE COMMUNITY

UCT International Culture Development special message of support and welcome gifts from the Chinese Community to the African King, presentation by President of UCT Li-Ying Li

HAPPY PLANET

Dr. Judy Kuriansky (red hair) representing His Excellency Ambassador Antonio Toriello introduced the World Happiness Globe to the Kings. The Gross National Happiness is defined by the Bhutan government as a holistic philosophy or development paradigm based on the belief that the ultimate goal of every human individual is happiness, so governments must ensure this human right and take responsibility to create those conditions that will enable citizens to pursue this value and goal. Ultimate meaning and purpose of an economy, is one that does not cut us off from nature and community but fosters true human potential, fulfillment, and satisfaction.

WORLD CULTURAL HARMONY THROUGH TRADITIONAL STRINGS MUSIC World Cultural Harmony String Music is an initiative of African Views Organization. The Maestro Yacouba Sissoko, Sacha Chavez have been instrumental and grandfathered into this campaign. They were joined by the Chinese Cultural institute and Ensemble 212 (World Cultural Harmony traditional string Symphonic Orchestra) to perform for the kings. Other musical performance included Ayanbirin, a female talking drum artist, Amanda Holley, and Beverly Lemoha.

WELCOME CEREMONY BY THE NATIVE AMERICANS

A Welcome to Our shores out of respect and honor ceremony performed by North American Indigenous Tribal Chiefs to welcome the Ooni of Ife to their traditional lands. Chief Sachem Wômpimeequin Wampatuck of the United Indigenous peoples and Tribes of the Americas.

GIFT OF THE SACRED WAMPUM BELT The Wampum belt is sacred to the Native American Cultures. Wampum served as a person’s credentials or a certificate of authority. Tribal laws were recorded and transmitted through wampum symbols that conveyed meaning. A good example is the Great Law of Peace. The principles enshrined in Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace, the founding constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy, was codified in a series of wampum belts, now held by the Onondaga Nation. The laws called a constitution are divided into 117 articles, which is what bounded together the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois - that is to say the Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, the Oneida, and the Tuscarora). The laws began with the words "We, the people, to form a union, to establish peace, equity, and order..."

In October 1988, the U.S. Congress passed Concurrent Resolution 331 to recognize the influence of the Iroquois Constitution upon the American Constitution and Bill of Rights.

The Wampum belt that was presented by Chief Wounded Bear of the Abenaki peoples and Chief Wômpimeequin Wampatuck of the Mattakeeset tribe to the Ooni -- was gifted as a symbolic peace treaty agreement. The chiefs wish that the Ooni to help continue the traditions and principles enshrined in the Great Law of as a symbolic interest in peace, cooperation, and harmony. In the words of the native American chief Wampatuck: “We pray that the Ooni passes the wampum belt to the next community to build a relationship with one another. This means that the nations of native America expect the Ooni to use their tradition to mend bridges of peace between the various Yoruba kingdoms. In a year from the date gifted, we would like for the Wampum belt to come back to our tribal communities here of the Mattakeeset Massachuset and Abenaki nation with a report on what peace relationships it has been used to mend.

A record on how the belt has travelled from community to community in Yoruba land and beyond would be a great gift to humanity. “

THE OONI’S SPEECH AT THE AFRICAN UNION “My message is that we must love ourselves more, and it begins by appreciating our roots and our culture. “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are all brothers and sisters, regardless of where we live in the world ‘We are ONE’. I am here to honor you as you have honored me and my ancestors. Let us love one another; let us appreciate our God given values and our heritage. We must come together, united as one, to continue to promote peace amongst ourselves and peace around the world. Let us go back to our source. God bless you all!” -- The Ooni of Ife

YORUBA HERITAGE SYMPOSIUM AT THE U.S. SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART African Views Organization organized the Monarch’s event for the Ooni as part of its Institute of African Cultures and Traditions project.

The Program was orchestrated by His Royal Majesty, Oba, Adedapo Aderemi A. A. – Alayemore of Ido, and was coordinated with the help of Mr. Aaron Manaigo and Ms. Hermine Zossoungbo, the founder of African Immigrants in the US. Museum management and Museum establishment is considered a vital strategic development program within the Spirit of Peace agenda.

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, Nigeria, gave a speech at the National Museum of African Art (NMAfA), Smithsonian Institution (SI), June 21, 2016. Photograph by Franko Khoury, NMAfA/SI.

THE OONI’S GIFT TO THE U.S. SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART

The Ooni of Ife presents a decorative plaque depicting Shango, the god of thunder, to Christine Mullen Kreamer, Deputy Director and Chief Curator, National Museum of African Art, June 21, 2016. Photograph by Franko Khoury, NMAfA/SI.

YORUBA KINGS AT THE U.S. SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, Queen Olori Wuraola, and delegation of prominent Yoruba kings who are part of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN). Photograph by Franko Khoury, NMAfA/SI.

SPIRITUAL HEALING CEREMONY FOR AFRICANS IN DIASPORA As Leopold Senghor puts it, our culture is recourse to sanity. When we are lost, we turn to our cultural compass. Today, people everywhere are still struggling through life with damaged emotions. many people endure a lot of negative things, causing untold damages that need to be dealt with. In most cases, especially with people of African descent both in the Diaspora living in the shadows of slavery and those at home living in the shadows of colonialism. These pains won’t go away by ignoring it, even after many generations have come and gone.

The American society must embrace brave ideas and effort to heal the lingering pains of tough decisions made in its historic past. Rather than waiting for the authority to lead this initiative, however, people owe it more to themselves more than ever to take the bold steps into the healing journey. The first step into healing is to attune oneself to self-restoration.

This requires a great deal of humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, forgiveness and being diligent to preserve the unity of the Society, and the Spirit of the nation in the bond of peace. As the Ooni said, we must return to our source. We must go back to our roots. “Back to the Roots Festival” is being organized for June 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland by House of Oduduwa Foundation. The program is being spearheaded by Prince Ayotunde Adebayo Isadipe.

Installation in Congo Square, New Orleans by Adewale Adenle.

SPIRIT OF PEACE AND CULTURAL HARMONY CONFERENCE During his Nobel Peace prize acceptance speech, Dr. Martin Luther King highlighted the differences between two realms, the internal and the external: “The internal is that realm of spiritual ends expressed in art, literature, morals, and religion. The external is that complex of devices, techniques, mechanisms, and instrumentalities by means of which we live. Our problem today is that we have allowed the internal to become lost in the external, culminating in a moral lag. It is important that we keep a balance. “ The Spirit of Peace and cultural harmony conference brings together a panel of African monarchs, indigenous Chiefs and state policy makers.

The even is scheduled to take place annually at the United Nations, African Union and other institutions. The Spirit of Peace is a conference focused on highlighting and observing the role of culture in security and sustainable development. The main objective is to identify and engage in the areas and available roles that indigenous institutions can take leadership for harmony, peace and security in a society.

This is an initiative of African Views Organization.

Painting by Adewale Adenle.

RAPPROCHEMENT RECONCIALITION AND RESTORATION OF BALANCE IN THE SOCIETY Our commitment remains firm in the interest and hopes of the 300 Million of people of Africans and descent in the Diaspora and Indigenous people who have been courageous, resilient, and tirelessly striving to rise above long standing discrimination and the immeasurable suffering endured in the wake of slavery and colonization. Millions of Diaspora Afro-descendants, the blood of our blood, have made great sacrifices over the centuries, fighting for freedom, equality, human rights – even having to fight to reconnect with their ancestral heritages and its ancient, and now modern cultures.

We are confident in our hopes that no one will understand the importance proper procedure of spiritual and ancestral rites than the indigenous rulers. This opportunity is thus unprecedented as foretold already from both sides of the aisle, whether through the oracle or the soothsayer- that coming together of the natural society will mark the advent of a period of healing, peace, harmony and new prosperity.

(Painting by Adewale Adenle. )

PRAYER FOR HEALING: PEACE, HARMONY, AND BALANCE

The Ooni and other high-level visionary African monarchs are deeply aware of condition that misconception of history has caused and are willing to help set the record straight and steer societies in the right direction. The Spirit of peace makes the case for the importance of mental health by removing causal and reinforcement factors of the mental diseases in the society.

Two main programs have been designed as efforts focused towards solutions: the Spirit of Peace Conference and Roots Festival. This two major programs provides opportunities for Trade and Investment as well as Tourism derivative programs.

The Ooni prays for healing, balance, and for peace.

YORUBA KINGS AND US GOVT POLICY MAKERS

Members of Newark Mayors Office and envoy of the Ooni gathers for a photo ops while Regent Adebusola Abisoye Oluwatuyi, Elerinmo and the one and only Alayemore at the African Union.

EXPECTED OUTCOME AND NEXT STEPS  The Spirit of Peace and Cultural Harmony Conference is scheduled to take place in June 5-10, 2017 at the United Nations, African Union, Museum of Native Americans and other venues.

THE EVENTS AGENDA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UN, AU, AV, GCUED, ITI, MISSION STATES AND SPONSORS Day I: Welcome reception Day II: Individual Paper Presentations/Workshops Day III: Panel and Roundtable Discussions Day IV: Rapporteur Report with list of Findings and new proposal and Film Screening Day V: Performing Arts / Spiritual Mass Prayer to conclude  The Spirit of Peace initiative is predicated on the ‘Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’ and the ‘United Nations Declaration on the Decade of People of African Descent. By bringing the forces together, we would not only be displaying Unity in diverse consciousness we will be fulfilling the need to resonate collaboration, empathy, cultural harmony and the much needed collective spiritual healing of the whole society. The spirit of peace initiative also serves as a vehicle single unifying issue between Indigenous Peoples and People of African Descent everywhere is peace and security.  Back to my Roots Festival is scheduled in Baltimore by the Oduduwa Group. The program is being spearheaded

by Prince Ayotunde Isadipe, et al. Other Investment and Trades Summit are being organized to take place during the Monarchs visit to the UK, US, and Canada in 2017 organized by the Oduduwa group and partners.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS OF THE KINGS

AWARDS IN THE UNITED STATES

HUMAN SPIRIT AND SPIRIT OF PEACE AWARDS

CREDITS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We thank the following: We thank the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ada Okika: speakers arrangement Dr. Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II Her Excellency Yeyelua, Queen Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi Mr. Guy Djoken: Moderator Princess Dolapo Adedapo: strategic coordinator His Imperial Majesty’s entourage consisted of esteemed Dr. Judy Kuriansky: speaker Owen Egharevba: Royal Talking drum Obas’, Chiefs, and dignitaries from Ile Ife and beyond.

His Excellency Ambassador Tete Antonio, African Union Beverly Lemoha: African Union /Nigerian Anthem Amanda Holey: American National Anthem Permanent Observer to the United Nations His Excellency Ambassador Tete Antonio, African Union Permanent Observer to the United Nations We thank steering committee of the spirit of peace Dr. Julius Garvey (Son of the Honorable Marcus Garvey) Mary Simat, Executive Director of Maasai Women for Education and Economic Development Dr. Barryl Biekman, Mr. Tony Regusters, Regina Askia Williams, Philly Jjemba, Omolungo Kato (emissary of the Ayanbirin: The Mother Drum of Africa Ugandan Kabaka), and our Patron, Mr. Carmelo G. Garcia, Monica Sanchez, President CARICOM Foundation Li-Ying Li: Chinese Cultural Performance Chairman William Verdone: Master of Ceremony President, UCT International Culture Development His Royal Majesty King Aderemi Adedapo, Yacouba Sissoko, Sacha Chavez the Alayemore of Ido Osun Ensemble 212 (World H.E Ambassador Anthony Bosah (Acting Ambassador) Charge d’ Affaires Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the Tomo Wounded Bear, Condoled Chief of the Abenaki people of New England United Nations Indigenous peoples and Tribes of the Americas to the United Nations.

H.E Ambassador Anthony Bosah (Acting Ambassador) Mr. Danny Glover (Movie, Producer, Actor, Activist, Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, Senator Ron Philanthropist) Power of Dreams Award Rice/Chair of the NJ Legislature Black Caucus His Royal Highness Oba James Oladipo Aroko-Ola Ms. Hermine Zossoungbo Buremoh, Ajagungbade Dr Leong Ying: schedule coordinator and quality control Mr. Aaron Manaigo

HRM, Oba, Oyedotun Oluwa Kayode Abdulwahab – Orangun Ila HRM,, Oba, Lawal Munirudeen Adesola --Timi of Ede HRM, Oba, Al-Moroof Magbagbeola, Olufon of Ifon HRM, Oba, Okunola Joseph Morontoye --- Onigbaye of Igbaye HRM, Oba, Ogunwole Olayinka Rufus -- Alaagba of Aagba HRM, Oba, Ajayi Michael Odunayo – Elerinmo of Erinmo HRM, Oba Adewole Joseph Adebayo --Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti Regent Adebusola Oluwatuyi --the Osolo of Isolo His Royal Highness Of The Royal House Of Pokanoket, Sagamore William “Winds Of Thunder” Guy“ Po Wauipi Neimpaug, Superior Chief of the Federation of Aboriginal Nations of America, Chief Tomo Wounded Bear Condoled Chief of the Abenaki people of New England Wômpimeequin Wampatuck of the United, Indigenous peoples and Tribes of the Americas to the United Nations.

Mrs. Antoinette Pitcairn Mrs. Ama Niamley Mr. Jerry Kwabena Kansis Princess Pemi Adereti Folarin Prince Ayotunde Adebayo Isadipe Produced and Directed by Wale Idris Ajibade Executive Director of African Views

HEALING THE WORLD

WITH