Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, have reconciled after a two-month disagreement, meeting in Lagos on Friday to reaffirm unity and cooperation between their kingdoms.
Gatekeepers News reports that the peace meeting, convened by billionaire businessman Kessington Adebutu (popularly known as Baba Ijebu), took place at Eko Hotel during celebrations marking Adebutu’s 90th birthday.
In a joint communiqué released after the meeting, both monarchs announced the establishment of a Joint Council for Yoruba Unity, a new platform designed to foster peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yoruba communities.
The document was signed by Ooni and Alaafin, witnessed by Adebutu, and issued by Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the communiqué drafting committee.
It reads, “Today marks a defining chapter in our shared history.”
“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.”
Traditional rulers, cultural custodians, and prominent Yoruba leaders attended the event, which focused on reconciliation, collaboration, and strengthening inter-kingdom ties. Both monarchs also offered prayers for peace and prosperity across Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent.
Expressing satisfaction with the renewed royal alliance, Adebutu described the reconciliation as a milestone that will consolidate peace, unity, and development among the Yoruba people.
The reconciliation follows a two-month rift sparked by Ooni’s conferment of the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title on businessman Dotun Sanusi, a move the Alaafin opposed, claiming exclusive authority to bestow titles encompassing all of Yorubaland.
The dispute deepened when Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the Ooni to revoke the title, calling it an affront. In response, the Ooni’s media team dismissed the demand as an empty threat.
