The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II made history yesterday when he visited the Alaafin Of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi at his palace to join him in celebrating his 45th coronation anniversary on the throne.
This unique gesture marked the end of a 79 year old supremacy battle that existed between the Alaafin and Ogunwusi’s successor, Oba Okunade Sijuade.
100 traditional rulers witnessed the historic event. Oba Ogunwusi while speaking at the thanksgiving service to commemorate the anniversary “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 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 existed in days of our forefathers.
“Oduduwa is father of all nations and his spirit abides by all us as the symbol of the progenitor.”
Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi during his speech also said “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.
“I had a cordial 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.”