The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, on Friday met in Lagos and jointly launched the Joint Council for Yoruba Unity to strengthen peace, unity, and cultural preservation across Yorubaland.
The meeting, convened by the Odole Oodua of The Source, Sir (Dr) Kessington Adebutu, was held at the Eko Hotel Signature Building as part of activities marking his birthday celebration.
In a communiqué issued after the session, both monarchs described the creation of the council as a major step toward fostering inter-kingdom cooperation, reconciliation, and socioeconomic development among the Yoruba people.
“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 stated.
The event was attended by prominent Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural custodians, who commended the initiative and urged other monarchs to support efforts aimed at uniting the Yoruba nation.
Both the Ooni and Alaafin offered prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and Africa.
Sir Adebutu expressed delight at the outcome of the meeting, describing it as “a milestone that will consolidate peace, unity, and development among the Yoruba people.”
The communiqué was jointly signed by Ooni Ogunwusi and Alaafin Owoade, witnessed by Sir Adebutu, and formally issued by Aare (Dr) Kola Oyefeso, Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee.
