“May your reign be long, Ooni. I am happy with Ooni Ogunwusi’s moves to unite all Yoruba Obas. This special visit was done last in March 1937, that was the first time the kings in Yorubaland met in Oyo town and today history was made with the visit of Arole Oodua Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and I feel delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with you.”
The Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi made these confessions when the newly crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi paid him a visit as he celebrated his 45th coronation anniversary. About 100 Yoruba traditional rulers witnessed the historic visit.
Alaafin went on: “I have a tight relationship with Ooni Adesoji Aderemi and I did not want to relent my bound with any Ooni of Ife that assumed the post but everybody has his own little differences.”
The Ooni’s visit to Alaafin was said to be unique, especially with the rivalry over supremacy that existed between the Alaafin and Ogunwusi successor, Oba Okunade Sijuade.
The thanksgiving service for the Alaafin anniversary was held at the Methodist Church, Apaara, Oyo.
Ooni Ogunwusi had arrived at the church to the warm embrace of the Alaafin, who shook hands with him as the congregation watched and expressed admiration for the historic union.
Meanwhile, Ooni Ogunwusi has said that he recognized the place of Oyo monarch in Yoruba history and that a new dawn had fallen on Yoruba monarchs and the people.
“It is a new dawn for all Yoruba sons and daughters around the globe… I am here today though not invited but as the Arole Oduduwa, the onus is on me to felicitate with all sons and daughters wherever they are and to show my solidarity for any of them.
“I am ready to damn any consequences or insinuations from anywhere; my mission here is to preach peace among nations of Yoruba both home and abroad and I am ready to work with Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi to project the unity and love which we believe is existing in days of our forefathers.”
After the service, the monarchs and other well wishers moved to the Alaafin palace where Oba Ogunwusi was entertained in a lavish ceremony. The two monarchs also had a private discussion in the inner chamber of the palace for about 20 minutes. [myad]
