One of the most prominent traditional rulers in Nigeria, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, visited China' s Consulate General in Lagos on Saturday, wishing Chinese people a happy New Year.

It is the first time Sijuwade has visited a foreign embassy to extend the greeting for a festival.

Sijuwade, 80, became the 50th Oni ( King ) of Ife in 1980, one of the most ancient African dynasties. As one of the foremost traditional rulers in Nigeria, he is a visible ambassador for the Nigerian people both at home and abroad.

"On behalf of the entire Yaruba race which consists of 256 million people all over the world, I say congratulations and wish the people of China a happy new year, a happy good season of spring and the very best of the people of China and the entire people of Nigeria," he said.

The Chinese lunar new year arrives on Sunday and lasts to Feb. 29. It is the most important festival in China for family reunion.