The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, have reconciled after a two-month rift that drew public attention across the Southwest.
The reconciliation took place on the sidelines of the 90th birthday celebration of business mogul, Sir Kensington Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, held in Lagos on Friday.
Following their meeting, both monarchs announced the formation of a Joint Council for Yoruba Unity, aimed at fostering peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic growth in the region.
Details of the agreement were contained in a joint communiqué signed by the Ooni and the Alaafin, witnessed by Adebutu, and issued by Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the communiqué drafting committee.
“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 read.
The dispute between both monarchs began after the Ooni of Ife conferred the title of “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi, a move that drew criticism from the Alaafin, who described it as an “affront.”
The Alaafin had demanded that the Ooni revoke the title within 48 hours, claiming exclusive authority to bestow titles covering all of Yorubaland.
However, with Friday’s reconciliation, both traditional rulers appear to have put their differences aside, signaling a renewed commitment to unity and collaboration among the Yoruba people.