Ooni says drumming is a tool of peace, unity

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described drumming as a veritable tool for the creation of peace and unity within the society.

Ogunwusi said this on Tuesday at the unveiling of `Drum of Peace’, an event organised by the Ayangalu Team in Ile-Ife.

The traditional ruler said that African drums hold a special place in the history of Africa, adding that in Western culture, the idea of drumming was always associated with entertainment.

He said that the drum add to the musical quality of a song, deeper symbolic and historical meaning which accomplished the manner of ceremony such as births, deaths, and marriages together with ritual dance.

Ogunwusi, however, promised his continuous support to the team, urging them to take their dream to the world.

He also appealed to all Nigerians to place value on their culture and tradition.

Earlier, the Ambassador of Drum of Peace, Mrs Aralola Olamuyiwa, commended the royal father for being a lover of peace.

Olumuyiwa also commended the Ooni for promoting unity among traditional rulers in Nigeria since his investiture.

She said that the drum played significant role in every aspect of Yoruba land, as it creates awareness and boost its culture.

According to the ambassador, drums are unique in communicating in the olden days, as its impact among Africans cannot be over emphasised.

Olumuyiwa listed some of the drums being used for communication to include Omele, Iya-Ilu, Bata and Gangan among others.

Also, the Project Director for `Drum of Peace’, Mr Daramola Morakinyo, lamented the difficulties the group had been facing for the past ten years in promoting the culture.

Morakinyo said that the cooperation of the monarch would assist the group to promote drum of peace globally.