Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, has said that he previously attempted suicide but changed his mind after listening to a series of uplifting songs.

He described music as a fundamental aspect of human life, an iconic cultural expression, and God’s best gift to humanity for all seasons.

According to a statement from the palace on Wednesday, Ooni Ogunwusi provided this narrative while addressing at the inaugural session of the maiden edition of ‘Memorable Moments With Music’ at The Muson Centre in Lagos.

The monarch claimed that a loan he incurred to build a building drove him to contemplate suicide.

He said, “This is a very great moment for me. There is power in music. When I almost committed suicide at my younger age as a real estate businessman, it was music that saved my life. Music is a perfect communication with God.

“I had become very successful in the real estate sector at a very young age. I took a loan of N8 billion about 12 years ago to build a high-rise building which I had to pull down by myself when we were already on the 10th floor, and the money went down the drain.

“Life turned upside down thereafter and the only option was for me to commit suicide, but listening to series of inspirational music reset my thinking faculty to remember the common saying ‘There is Hope When There is Life’.

“I have since then adopted music as a very powerful solution tool when faced with challenges, and I made up my mind to invest in music and art for the economic empowerment and mental liberation of our youths and the less privileged people in our society. Ladies and gentlemen, whatever you are going through, please don’t give up. Use inspirational music to elevate your spirit

“This is indeed a calling for me and I feel so happily fulfilled tonight with this 1st day of this musical project, a 3-day musical show which I tagged ‘Memorable Moments With Music.”