Their Royal Majesties Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, and Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, met in Lagos on Friday -a major step aimed at settling the rift between two of Yoruba’s most influential monarchs. The meeting was convened by Sir Kessington Adebutu, the billionaire businessman better known as ‘Baba Ijebu’.
The reconciliation sit-down took place at the Eko Hotel on the sidelines of Adebutu’s 90th birthday celebration.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, both monarchs announced the formation of the joint council for Yoruba unity — a platform aimed at promoting peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic growth across Yoruba communities.
The communiqué was signed by the Ooni and Alaafin, witnessed by Adebutu, and issued by Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the communiqué drafting committee. The meeting was described as a turning point in Yoruba history.
“Today marks a defining chapter in our shared history,” the communiqué reads.
“We reaffirm our dedication to promoting harmony among all Yoruba sons and daughters, and upholding the sacred values of mutual respect and brotherhood handed down by our ancestors.”
The gathering was attended by traditional rulers and prominent Yoruba leaders, who discussed reconciliation, cooperation, and inter-kingdom relations.
The Ooni and Alaafin jointly offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and progress across Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent.
Adebutu expressed delight at the renewed royal bond, describing it as “a milestone that will consolidate peace, unity, and development among the Yoruba people”.