The Ooni of Ife, and Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have reconciled after a two-month rift, following a peace meeting held in Lagos on Friday.
The meeting, convened by billionaire businessman Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as “Baba Ijebu,” took place at the Eko Hotel during his 90th birthday celebration.
In a joint communiqué released afterward, both monarchs announced the establishment of the Joint Council for Yoruba Unity, a new platform designed to foster peace, preserve cultural heritage, and advance socioeconomic development across Yoruba communities.
The communiqué — signed by the Ooni and Alaafin, witnessed by Adebutu, and issued by Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the drafting committee — described the meeting as a historic moment for the Yoruba people.
“Today marks a defining chapter in our shared history,” it read. “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.”
Traditional rulers, cultural figures, and prominent Yoruba leaders attended the gathering, discussing reconciliation, cooperation, and inter-kingdom relations. The Ooni and Alaafin also prayed jointly for peace and prosperity across Yorubaland, Nigeria, and Africa.
Adebutu expressed joy at the renewed bond between the monarchs, describing it as “a milestone that will consolidate peace, unity, and development among the Yoruba people.”
The reconciliation follows a two-month dispute sparked by the Ooni’s conferment of the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title on businessman Dotun Sanusi — a move the Alaafin had described as an “affront,” claiming exclusive authority over such titles based on a Supreme Court ruling.
The Ooni’s team, however, dismissed the Alaafin’s 48-hour ultimatum to revoke the title as an “empty threat,” stating that the monarch would not dignify it with a response.