In a historic reconciliation that signals a new chapter for the Yoruba nation, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, have officially ended years of silent rivalry following a peace meeting convened by billionaire philanthropist and Odole-Oodua, Sir Kessington Adebutu.
The landmark meeting, held on Friday at the Eko Hotel Signature Building in Lagos as part of Adebutu’s birthday celebrations, brought together eminent Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural custodians in a show of unity and renewed purpose for the region.
According to a statement released by the Ooni’s Palace, both monarchs reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening peace, mutual respect, and collaboration between the two ancient royal stools, pledging to work together for the advancement of the Yoruba people.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, the Ooni and Alaafin announced the creation of a new body — the Joint Council of Yoruba Unity — which will serve as a platform for peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland.
“Today marks a defining moment in our shared history,” the statement read. “We are committed to promoting harmony among Yoruba sons and daughters and upholding the sacred values of mutual respect and brotherhood bequeathed to us by our forebears.”
The monarchs emphasized that true progress could only be achieved through sustained dialogue, cooperation, and unity among traditional institutions, urging other royal fathers across the region to emulate their renewed bond.
The peace meeting, which many described as “long overdue,” drew prominent Yoruba personalities who praised both monarchs for setting aside past differences in the interest of collective progress.
In his remarks, Sir Kessington Adebutu expressed deep satisfaction with the outcome, describing the reconciliation as “a historic milestone that would inspire peace, progress, and cultural pride across Yorubaland.”
“This is a blessed moment for all Yoruba people,” Adebutu said. “Seeing our royal fathers come together again is a gift not just to me on my birthday, but to generations of Yoruba sons and daughters who look to them for guidance and inspiration.”
The event concluded with both monarchs offering prayers for divine guidance, peace, and prosperity across Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent. They also exchanged royal blessings in a symbolic gesture that sealed their reconciliation.
Observers at the event hailed the initiative as a unifying step likely to strengthen ties between the two historic thrones of Ife and Oyo — widely regarded as the twin pillars of Yoruba heritage.
