Joint council for Yoruba unity emerges
What appeared to be a cold war between the two prominent Yoruba traditional rulers came to an end yesterday, with the intervention of a 90-year-old renowned businessman and philanthropist, Kessington Adebutu.
Before the intervention of Adebutu, on Friday, the two Yoruba traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, were said to have engaged in a cold war.
The rift therefore came to an end at the instance of Kessington Adebutu, the billionaire businessman better known as ‘Baba Ijebu’.
The meeting was held at the Eko Hotel during Adebutu’s 90th birthday celebration.
To show that the tiff had come to an end, both Ooni and Alaafin issued a joint communiqué after the meeting with Adebutu, and the two monarchs announcing the formation of a joint council for Yoruba unity — a platform aimed at promoting peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic growth across Yoruba communities.
The signing of the communiqué by the Ooni and Alaafin, was witnessed by Adebutu, and issued by Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the communiqué drafting committee.
The meeting of the monarchs was described as a turning point in Yoruba history.
“Today marks a defining chapter in our shared history,” the communiqué reads.
“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.”
