Peace has finally returned between two of the most influential traditional rulers in the Southwest, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, after a two-month-long rift. The reconciliation took place on Friday during the 90th birthday celebration of business magnate, Sir Kensington Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, in Lagos.

The peace meeting, facilitated by Adebutu, ended on a positive note as both monarchs agreed to put their differences aside and announced the creation of a joint council for Yoruba unity. The council, according to a joint communiqué signed by the two monarchs and witnessed by Adebutu, aims to foster peace, promote cultural preservation, and drive socioeconomic development across the Southwest.

In the communiqué, which was issued by Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the communiqué drafting committee, the monarchs described the moment as “a defining chapter in our shared history.” They reaffirmed their commitment to harmony among Yoruba sons and daughters, while vowing to uphold the values of respect, unity, and brotherhood inherited from their forebears.

The misunderstanding between the Ooni and the Alaafin began when the Ooni of Ife conferred the title of “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on businessman Dotun Sanusi. The Alaafin, displeased with the action, ordered the Ooni to revoke the title within 48 hours, calling it an “affront” and insisting that he alone held the authority to confer titles covering the entire Yorubaland.

However, Adebutu’s timely intervention has now restored peace between the two traditional institutions. His mediation has been widely praised as a step towards strengthening Yoruba unity and ensuring that cultural leadership remains a beacon of cooperation rather than conflict.