Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo Seal Historic Yoruba Unity Pact

In a landmark gathering on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Hotel in Lagos, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, and the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Owoade, rekindled a spirit of unity that promises a new dawn for Yorubaland. Convened on the special occasion of the 90th birthday anniversary of the illustrious Odole-Oodua, Sir Dr. Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, CFR, the meeting brought together two of the most revered Yoruba royal institutions—the throne of Oduduwa in Ile-Ife and the Alaafin’s throne in Oyo.

After a two-month period marked by a public rift following a controversy over the conferment of a Yoruba title, the two monarchs met in a warm and conciliatory atmosphere. This historic dialogue culminated in a joint communiqué emphasizing renewed commitment to peace, cultural preservation, and sustainable development for all Yoruba people.

The monarchs agreed to sustain continuous dialogue and have initiated the formation of a Joint Council of Yoruba Unity. This council aims to foster cooperation and promote peacebuilding initiatives, cultural heritage protection, and socioeconomic advancement across Yorubaland. Both monarchs appealed to traditional rulers and Yoruba leaders everywhere to embody this spirit of cooperation for collective progress.

Addressing all Yorubas worldwide, the Ooni and Alaafin urged unity and collective effort for the wellbeing of their people and the advancement of their homeland. The monarchs concluded the meeting with heartfelt prayers for peace, prosperity, and divine guidance for the Yoruba nation, Nigeria, and the African continent.

ADVERTISEMENT

The event was well attended by notable traditional rulers, cultural custodians, and prominent Yoruba figures, making it a defining moment in contemporary Yoruba history. Sir Dr. Kessington Adebutu, the convener and celebrant of the occasion, expressed immense delight at the renewed royal accord, describing it as a milestone for Yoruba peace and development.

The communiqué was jointly signed by both monarchs and witnessed by Sir Adebutu, with the official statement issued by Aare Dr. Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the communiqué drafting committee. This historic meeting effectively closes the chapter of discord and opens a promising new era of fraternity and cooperation between the two royal houses .