The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, held a landmark meeting in Lagos on Friday, reaffirming their shared commitment to unity and peace across Yorubaland.
Convened by the Odole-Oodua, Sir Kessington Adebutu, the meeting took place at the Eko Hotel Signature Building as part of Adebutu’s birthday celebration.
In a communiqué released after the session, both revered monarchs underscored the importance of peace, mutual respect, and collective advancement among the Yoruba people.
According to a statement from the Ooni’s palace, “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 traditional rulers stressed that true greatness for the Yoruba nation could only be realized through dialogue and collaboration.
“Today marks a defining moment in our shared history. We are committed to promoting harmony among Yoruba sons and daughters and to upholding the sacred values of mutual respect and brotherhood bequeathed to us by our forebears,” the communiqué read.
The gathering attracted notable Yoruba leaders, traditional authorities, and cultural custodians, all united in discussions centered on strengthening inter-kingdom cooperation and inspiring others to embrace the renewed spirit of togetherness exemplified by the two thrones.
The meeting concluded with joint prayers by the Ooni and the Alaafin, seeking divine guidance, peace, and prosperity for Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent. The royal session ended on a cordial note, marked by goodwill exchanges and blessings.
Expressing his joy after the meeting, Sir Adebutu hailed the rekindled relationship between the two monarchs, describing it as “a milestone that would foster peace and progress among the Yoruba people.”
