Ooni and Alaafin unite for Yoruba peace, launching a Joint Council to foster unity, cultural preservation, and progress across Yorubaland

Ooni and Alaafin unite for Yoruba peace in a landmark show of solidarity aimed at strengthening harmony, cultural pride, and development across Yorubaland.

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, met in Lagos on Friday at the Eko Hotel Signature Building, reaffirming their shared commitment to unity and mutual respect among Yoruba monarchs.

The historic meeting, convened by the Odole Oodua of The Source, Sir Dr Kessington Adebutu, formed part of his birthday celebration but quickly became a symbolic moment in Yoruba history.

In a joint communiqué released after the session, both royal fathers announced the creation of a Joint Council for Yoruba Unity, a new body dedicated to peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic advancement across the Yoruba nation.

“Today marks a defining moment in our shared history. 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 communiqué stated.

The meeting was attended by eminent Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural custodians, all of whom praised the two monarchs for demonstrating reconciliation and leadership at a critical time.

In their closing prayers, the Ooni and Alaafin jointly sought divine guidance, peace, and prosperity for Yorubaland, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole. The session concluded with the exchange of royal blessings and expressions of goodwill between the revered thrones.

Sir Adebutu lauded the event as “a milestone that will strengthen peace and progress among the Yoruba people,” while Aare Dr Kola Oyefeso, Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, confirmed that the document was jointly signed by both monarchs and witnessed by Sir Adebutu.

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This renewed alliance between the two powerful thrones is being hailed as a powerful step towards lasting unity in Yorubaland, reflecting a shared vision of cultural preservation and collective progress.