The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, have officially ended years of strained relations during a landmark peace meeting in Lagos on Friday.
The high-profile reconciliation was convened by the Odole-Oodua, Sir Kessington Adebutu, at the Eko Hotel Signature Building, coinciding with his birthday celebration.
According to a statement released by the Ooni’s Palace, both monarchs reaffirmed their “unwavering commitment to peace, mutual respect, and the advancement of the Yoruba race.”
The royal leaders also announced the establishment of a Joint Council of Yoruba Unity — a new platform aimed at driving peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland.
“Today marks a defining moment in our shared history,” the communiqué 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 meeting, attended by eminent Yoruba traditional rulers, cultural custodians, and leaders of thought, was seen as a symbolic healing of historical rifts between the two ancient thrones Ile-Ife and Oyo long regarded as pillars of Yoruba civilization.
In a closing prayer, the Ooni and Alaafin jointly sought divine guidance and prosperity for Yorubaland, Nigeria, and Africa at large, sealing the moment with royal blessings and warm gestures of goodwill.
Speaking after the session, Sir Adebutu Kessington expressed deep satisfaction, calling the event “a monumental step toward lasting peace and the rebirth of Yoruba greatness.”
“Seeing our revered monarchs embrace unity gives me immense joy. This is the Yoruba spirit — one of peace, love, and progress,” he said.
