WorldStage– In a rapprochement gesture between the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (CFR) and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, the two leading Yoruba monarchs have pledged to encourage all Yoruba traditional rulers and leaders to imbibe the spirit of togetherness for the collective progress of the race.
The parley, witnessed by Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu (CFR), Odole-Oodua of The Source, was disclosed in a statement signed by both monarchs and issued by Aare Kola Oyefeso.
The meeting, which was convened at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos by Sir Adebutu and attended by notable traditional rulers, eminent Yoruba leaders, and cultural custodians, focused on strengthening inter-kingdom cooperation, promoting harmony among Yoruba sons and daughters, and upholding the sacred values of mutual respect and brotherhood bequeathed by the forebears of the Yoruba race.
After extensive deliberations, as stated in the communique of the meeting, both monarchs jointly agreed to sustain continuous dialogue and collaboration between the two ancient thrones of Ife and Oyo; establish a Joint Council of Yoruba Unity to promote peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland.
They also agreed to encouraging all Yoruba traditional rulers and leaders to emulate the spirit of togetherness for the collective progress of the Yoruba nation; and appeal to Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide to embrace unity and work collectively for the advancement of their homeland.
The Ooni and the Alaafin jointly prayed for enduring peace, prosperity, and divine guidance for Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent at large.
The communique states further of the meeting: “In a landmark meeting held today at a breakfast meeting to commemorate the 90th birthday anniversary of Odole-Oodua- Sir Dr Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu CFR, two foremost royal institutions of Yorubaland — the throne of Oduduwa in Ile-Ife and the Alaafin’s throne in Oyo — came together in a renewed spirit of peace, unity, and progress.
“His Imperial Majesty Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, and His Imperial Majesty Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, met in a warm and cordial atmosphere to reaffirm their shared commitment to the unity and advancement of the Yoruba people.
The historic meeting concluded with an exchange of goodwill and royal blessings, symbolizing a new dawn of fraternity and cooperation between the two revered thrones.
The rivalry between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo has been age-long and rooted in historical disputes over supremacy. It re-emerged in August 2025 over the conferment of a pan-Yoruba chieftaincy title.
This happened months after a new Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, was crowned.
The rivalry stems from the two monarchs’ historically different bases of power –
The Ooni of Ife as the spiritual head is considered the ancestral and spiritual home of the Yoruba people, while the Alaafin is regarded as representing the historical political and military might of the Oyo Empire, which was the most powerful Yoruba empire for centuries.
The latest conflict in 2025 erupted in August 2025 after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, conferred the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title on an Ibadan-based businessman, Chief Dotun Sanusi.
Angry at the development, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the title be revoked, asserting that the right to confer titles covering all of Yorubaland belongs exclusively to the Alaafin.
The Ooni responded with statement from his palace dismissing the ultimatum as “empty” and chose to leave the matter to public opinion.
The public dispute drew the attention of concerned Yoruba elders and leaders, who have urged peace and reconciliation between the two royal stools.
Historical backdrop
Similar conflicts have erupted between past Oonis and Alaafins over the same issue of supremacy and the authority to confer pan-Yoruba titles. For instance, a disagreement occurred in 1991 between the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade (Ooni) and the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (Alaafin).
While both palaces have stated they do not seek supremacy over the other, the dispute exposes a deep-rooted cultural rivalry that periodically flares up.
Observers note that such royal clashes can create division among Yoruba people and are often influenced by political undercurrents.
