By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Lagos, Nigeria – The Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo, two central royal pillars of Yoruba civilization, came together on October 24, 2025, in a historic meeting held at the Eko Hotel Signature Building to reaffirm unity, peace, and cooperation across Yorubaland.
The gathering was convened by Sir Dr. Kesington Adebutu, CFR, Odole-Oodua of The Source, as part of activities marking his 90th birthday. In his message, Sir Adebutu described it as one of the greatest honours of his lifetime to host both royal fathers—the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye.
He emphasized that while history has often referenced rivalry between Ile-Ife and Oyo, the deeper truth is that both thrones share the same ancestral root in Oduduwa. He called on both monarchs to continue to stand together, noting that their unity is essential for the dignity, peace, and collective future of the Yoruba people.
Following extensive deliberations, both monarchs jointly agreed to:
- Sustain continuous dialogue and collaboration between the ancient thrones of Ife and Oyo.
- Establish a Joint Council of Yoruba Unity to promote peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland.
- Encourage all Yoruba traditional rulers and leaders to emulate this renewed spirit of togetherness for the progress of the Yoruba nation.
- Appeal to Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide to embrace unity and work collectively for the advancement of their homeland.
Sir Adebutu expressed hope that posterity will remember this occasion as a moment when the sons of Oduduwa “clasped hands in unity.” He prayed that the renewed understanding would guide the Yoruba nation toward greater peace, dignity, and shared prosperity.
The event was attended by notable traditional rulers, Yoruba leaders, and cultural custodians who witnessed this symbolic reaffirmation of brotherhood and shared ancestry.
