The two leading traditional monarchs in the Southwest, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, have mended fences following their two-months rift.
The two monarchs mended fences on the sidelines of the 90th birthday celebration of business mogul, Kensington Adebutu, popularly known as ‘Baba Ijebu’ in Lagos on Friday.
After the meeting, both monarchs announced the formation of a joint council for Yoruba unity.
Disclosing this in a joint communique issued by the Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo, both monarchs said the council will promote peace, cultural preservation and socioeconomic growth in the Southwest.
The communiqué was signed by the Ooni and 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 rift between both monarchs started when the Ooni of Ife conferred The title of “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on businessman, Dotun Sanusi.
Aggrieved, the Alaafin ordered the Ooni of Ife to revoke the title within 48 hours.
He described the development as an “affront” and claimed exclusive authority to bestow titles covering the whole of Yorubaland.
NAN