Dare Babalola
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, have reaffirmed their commitment to unity and peace in Yorubaland.
This was contained in a communiqué signed by the Ooni and Alaafin, witnessed by Adebutu, and issued by Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the communiqué drafting committee on Saturday.
The meeting was convened by Kessington Adebutu, the billionaire businessman better known as ‘Baba Ijebu’.
The sit-down was held at the Eko Hotel on the sidelines of Adebutu’s 90th birthday celebration.
The Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo announced the establishment of a joint council for Yoruba unity, aimed at promoting peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland, in a communiqué issued after their meeting.
The meeting of the monarchs was described as a turning point in Yoruba history.
“Today marks a defining chapter in our shared history,” the communiqué reads.
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“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,” the communique read.
Traditional rulers, cultural custodians, and prominent Yoruba leaders attended the gathering, discussing reconciliation, cooperation, and inter-kingdom relations.
The Ooni and Alaafin jointly offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and progress across Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent.
Adebutu expressed delight at the renewed royal bond, describing it as “a milestone that will consolidate peace, unity, and development among the Yoruba people”.
