Ooni, Alaafin reconcile after public feud, launch Yoruba unity council

Ooni, Alaafin reconcile after public feud, launch Yoruba unity council

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, have officially ended their rift, marking a significant moment in Yoruba history with the formation of a Joint Council for Yoruba Unity.

The reconciliation took place on Friday at the 90th birthday celebration of billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Sir Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as ‘Baba Ijebu’, at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

The two foremost Yoruba monarchs had been locked in a public spat over the conferment of the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Chief Dotun Sanusi, the Bada of Ibadan designate, by the Ooni. The Alaafin had issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding a reversal of the title, accusing the Ooni of exceeding his jurisdiction and acting in contempt of the Supreme Court.

The Ooni, through his media team, dismissed the ultimatum as an “empty threat,” reigniting a long-standing rivalry between the thrones of Ife and Oyo—two of the most revered institutions in Yorubaland.

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However, in a dramatic turn of events, both monarchs shared the stage at Adebutu’s birthday celebration, where they signed a joint communiqué pledging to put aside their differences and work together for the greater good of the Yoruba people.

“Today marks a turning point. We reaffirm our dedication to harmony, respect, and brotherhood among all Yoruba sons and daughters,” the statement read.

The monarchs also announced the creation of the Joint Council for Yoruba Unity, aimed at fostering peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across the region.

A mild drama played out during the event when the Ooni handed the microphone to the Alaafin after his speech. The Alaafin’s aides were seen covering the microphone with a handkerchief before he spoke, drawing murmurs from the audience.

Despite the tension, the event ended on a high note, with both monarchs offering prayers for peace and prosperity in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent.

Dignitaries, traditional rulers, and cultural leaders from across the region witnessed the historic reconciliation. Sir Adebutu hailed the moment as “a milestone that will consolidate unity and development among the Yoruba people.”

 

Ooni, Alaafin reconcile after public feud, launch Yoruba unity council