Ooni, Alaafin unite, create joint council for Yoruba progress

A historic meeting took place in Lagos on Friday as two of Yorubaland’s most prominent traditional rulers,  the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Owoade and the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, met to formally reaffirm their commitment to peace and unity across the region.

The significant gathering, held at the Eko Hotel Signature Building, was convened by the Odole-Oodua of The Source, Sir Dr. Kessington Adebutu, CFR, during his birthday celebration.

​In a joint communiqué issued after their discussion, the monarchs emphasized their mutual dedication to respect, harmony, and the collective advancement of the Yoruba people. The centerpiece of their meeting was the announcement of the creation of a Joint Council of Yoruba Unity. This new body will focus its efforts on three key areas: peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland.

The Ooni and the Alaafin, representing two ancient and foundational thrones, stressed that the path to Yoruba greatness lies only through unity and collective effort. “Today marks a defining moment in our shared history,” the communiqué stated. “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 meeting, which saw the attendance of other eminent Yoruba leaders and cultural custodians, served as a call for continuous dialogue and collaboration between the two royal houses and encouraged all other traditional rulers to embrace the spirit of togetherness demonstrated.

In their closing prayers, both monarchs jointly sought divine guidance for prosperity not only for Yorubaland but for Nigeria and the entire African continent. Sir Dr. Kessington Adebutu, who convened the event, expressed profound joy at witnessing the unity, calling it a milestone crucial for fostering peace and progress among the people.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the Ooni Ogunwusi and Alaafin Owoade, and witnessed by Sir Dr. Kessington Adebutu, before being issued by Aare Dr. Kola Oyefeso, Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee.