Two foremost Yoruba monarchs, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, have pledged renewed cooperation to strengthen unity and peace across Yorubaland.
The historic meeting, held on Friday at the Eko Hotel Signature Building in Lagos, was convened by the Odole-Oodua, Sir Kessington Adebutu, as part of activities marking his birthday celebration.
According to a statement released by the Ooni’s palace, the two revered traditional rulers emphasised mutual respect, peacebuilding, and the collective advancement of the Yoruba people.
“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 stated.
As part of their resolutions, the monarchs announced the creation of a new body – the Joint Council of Yoruba Unity – which will focus on peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development throughout Yorubaland.
The meeting, attended by eminent Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural custodians, also sought to deepen inter-kingdom cooperation and encourage other monarchs to emulate the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by the two ancient thrones.
In their closing prayers, both monarchs jointly invoked divine blessings of peace, progress, and prosperity for Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent at large, sealing the event with an exchange of royal goodwill.
Sir Kessington Adebutu, who convened the meeting, expressed delight at witnessing what he described as “a milestone in Yoruba unity and a promise of a brighter future.”
“This gathering is a turning point. The unity between these two great thrones will strengthen peace and development among the Yoruba people,” he said.
The meeting was widely applauded as a symbolic step toward reinforcing the age-old bond between Ife and Oyo, two historic pillars of Yoruba civilisation, and a reaffirmation of collective progress through unity.
