-
Set Up Joint Committee
- Safiu Kehinde
Prominent Yoruba monarchs, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, have finally sheathed the swords and settled their rifts.
The monarchs had over the past months reignited the age-long rivalry in a battle for supremacy that predated their respective ascension to the thrones.
The rivalry between the two ancient thrones transcended both monarchs as their predecessors were also renowned for being at loggerheads and exchange of words which had over time caused division amongst the Yorubas.
However, Oba Adeyeye and Oba Abimbola finally chose the path of peace as prominent philanthropist, Sir Kessington Adebutu, brokered a truce between them in Lagos.
Both monarchs met on Friday at Kessington’s 90th birthday held at the Eko Hotel Signature Building in Lagos.
As part of the activities marking his birthday celebration, the Odole Oodua called for a peace meeting between the Ooni and Alaafin.
The settlement was confirmed in a statement issued by the palace of the Ooni of Ife.
According to the statement, both monarchs reaffirmed their joint commitment to peace, unity, and the advancement of Yorubaland while announcing the establishment of a joint committee.
“They announced the creation of a Joint Council of Yoruba Unity, a body that will focus on peace building, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development across Yorubaland,” the statement read.
Also as contained in a communique jointly signed after the meeting, the two monarchs emphasised the need for continued collaboration and dialogue among traditional institutions in the region.
“Today marks a defining moment in our shared history. We are committed to promoting harmony among Yoruba sons and daughters and to upholding the sacred values of mutual respect and brotherhood bequeathed to us by our forebears,” the communiqué stated.