Hot SourceThe Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, on Friday met in Lagos, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening unity, preserving Yoruba culture, and deepening mutual respect across Yorubaland.
The landmark meeting, convened by the Odole Oodua of The Source, Sir Dr Kessington Adebutu, was held at the Eko Hotel Signature Building as part of activities marking his birthday celebration.
In a joint communiqué released after the session, both revered monarchs announced the creation of the Joint Council for Yoruba Unity, a collaborative platform aimed at fostering peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yoruba communities.
The communiqué described the encounter as a turning point in Yoruba history, emphasising that unity and collective progress remain the pillars of the Yoruba nation.
“Today marks a defining chapter in our shared history. 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 communiqué stated.
The meeting, attended by eminent Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural custodians, focused on strengthening inter-kingdom relations and encouraging other monarchs to embrace reconciliation and cooperation in the interest of the people.
In their closing prayers, the Ooni and Alaafin jointly invoked divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and progress in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and Africa at large. The ceremony ended with an exchange of royal blessings and goodwill between the two ancient thrones.
Sir Adebutu expressed profound joy at witnessing the renewed bond between the monarchs, describing the meeting as “a milestone that will consolidate peace, unity, and development among the Yoruba people.”
The communiqué was jointly signed by Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Alaafin Abimbola Owoade, witnessed by Sir Dr Kessington Adebutu, and formally issued by Aare Dr Kola Oyefeso, Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee.
Ooni, Alaafin unite in Lagos, launch joint Yoruba Unity Council
