The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to peace and unity across Yorubaland during a landmark reconciliation meeting convened by the Odole-Oodua, Sir Kesington Adebutu, in Lagos.
The meeting, held at the Eko Hotel Signature Building, marked the end of years of perceived tension between the two historic royal stools of Ile-Ife and Oyo, which have long symbolised the cultural and political strength of the Yoruba race.
According to a communiqué issued by the Ooni’s Palace, both monarchs pledged mutual respect, cultural preservation, and sustained collaboration for the advancement of the Yoruba people.
“They announced the creation of a Joint Council of Yoruba Unity, a body that will focus on peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland,” the statement read.
The two monarchs described the event as a “defining moment in shared history,” stressing that the Yoruba nation can only achieve greatness through unity and collective progress.
“We are committed to promoting harmony among Yoruba sons and daughters and upholding the sacked values of mutual respect and brotherhood bequeathed to us by our forebears,” the communiqué added.
The closed-door session was attended by prominent Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural custodians, who commended both royal fathers for taking the bold step toward reconciliation.
In their closing prayers, the Ooni and Alaafin jointly sought divine guidance, peace, and prosperity for Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent.
Sir Kesington Adebutu, who convened the meeting as part of his 90th birthday anniversary, described the reconciliation as “a divine milestone that will usher in peace and renewed progress for the Yoruba nation.”
“I am filled with joy to witness the unity of our two great thrones. This bond will inspire a new era of cooperation, development, and pride among all Yoruba people,” Adebutu said.
