The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, met in Lagos on Friday, pledging to strengthen unity, preserve Yoruba culture, and deepen mutual respect across Yorubaland.

The historic gathering, hosted by the Odole Oodua of The Source, Sir Dr Kessington Adebutu, took place at the Eko Hotel Signature Building as part of activities marking his birthday celebration.

In a joint statement released after the meeting, both monarchs announced the establishment of the Joint Council for Yoruba Unity, a collaborative platform designed to promote peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development within Yoruba communities.

The statement described the meeting as a milestone in Yoruba history, highlighting that unity and collective progress remain central to the Yoruba nation.

“Today marks a defining chapter in our shared history. We reaffirm our commitment to fostering harmony among all Yoruba sons and daughters and upholding the cherished values of mutual respect and brotherhood passed down by our ancestors,” the statement said.

Attended by prominent Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural custodians, the meeting focused on enhancing inter-kingdom relations and encouraging other monarchs to embrace reconciliation and collaboration for the benefit of the people.

In their closing prayers, the Ooni and Alaafin jointly invoked divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and progress across Yorubaland, Nigeria, and Africa. The ceremony concluded with an exchange of royal blessings and goodwill between the two thrones.

Sir Adebutu expressed joy at witnessing the renewed bond between the monarchs, describing the meeting as “a milestone that will consolidate peace, unity, and development among the Yoruba people.”

The communiqué was jointly signed by Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Alaafin Abimbola Owoade, witnessed by Sir Dr Kessington Adebutu, and formally issued by Aare Dr Kola Oyefeso, Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee.