LAGOS, Nigeria — The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, have reconciled after a two-month rift that stirred tensions across Yorubaland.
The reconciliation took place in Lagos on Friday, October24, 2025, during a meeting convened by billionaire businessman Kessington Adebutu — popularly known as “Baba Ijebu” — on the sidelines of his 90th birthday celebration at the Eko Hotel.
In a joint communiqué released after the meeting, both monarchs announced the establishment of the Joint Council for Yoruba Unity, a new platform aimed at promoting peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yoruba communities.
The communiqué, signed by the Ooni and Alaafin, was witnessed by Adebutu and issued by Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the communiqué drafting committee.
“Today marks a defining chapter in our shared history,” the communiqué read.
“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 gathering, attended by traditional rulers, cultural custodians, and prominent Yoruba leaders, focused on reconciliation, inter-kingdom cooperation, and strengthening the bonds among Yoruba monarchs.
Both the Ooni and Alaafin jointly offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and progress across Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent.
Adebutu described the meeting as a historic milestone.
“This renewed royal bond will consolidate peace, unity, and development among the Yoruba people,” he said.
The reconciliation comes two months after a public dispute between the two foremost Yoruba monarchs.
The disagreement stemmed from the Ooni’s conferment of the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
Following the announcement, the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that the title be revoked, describing the move as an “affront” and insisting that only he held the authority to bestow titles covering the entirety of Yorubaland.
He cited a Supreme Court ruling which, he claimed, affirmed his prerogative in such matters.
In response, the Ooni’s media team dismissed the ultimatum as an “empty threat,” saying the monarch would not dignify it with a formal reply.
