In a remarkable display of royal solidarity, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Owoade, have jointly reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening peace, unity and development across Yorubaland.
The two foremost monarchs made this historic declaration on Friday, 24th October, 2025 at the Eko Hotel Signature Building, Lagos, during the 90th birthday celebration of the Odole Oodua of the Source, Sir Dr. Kessington Adebutu, CFR, who also facilitated the royal convergence.
The meeting, attended by eminent Yoruba traditional rulers, statesmen and cultural custodians, served as a landmark platform for dialogue aimed at fostering stronger inter-kingdom relations and sustaining the Yoruba spirit of oneness.
At the end of the high-level session, both monarchs issued a joint communiqué announcing the establishment of the Joint Council of Yoruba Unity, a strategic body that will spearhead peacebuilding, cultural preservation and socioeconomic advancement across Yorubaland.
“Today marks a defining moment in our shared history,” the communiqué declared, emphasizing that the council would serve as a permanent forum for dialogue, collaboration and policy synergy among Yoruba traditional institutions.
The Ooni and the Alaafin underscored the need for consistent engagement between the two ancient thrones of Ile-Ife and Oyo, describing unity as the foundation of Yoruba greatness and global influence.
In a spiritually charged atmosphere, both monarchs jointly offered prayers for peace, prosperity and divine guidance upon Yorubaland, Nigeria and the African continent, exchanging royal blessings and goodwill in a show of renewed fraternity.
Sir Dr. Kessington Adebutu, in his remarks, expressed deep satisfaction at the success of the meeting, describing it as “a milestone that will redefine the path of harmony and progress for the Yoruba people.”
The communiqué was jointly signed by Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Alaafin Abimbola Owoade, and witnessed by Sir Dr. Kessington Adebutu, CFR, with Aare Dr. Kola Oyefeso serving as Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee.
