Ooni pays historic visit to Alaafin of Oyo

The newly crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye
Ogunwusi, on Sunday paid a historic visit to the Alaafin
of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who celebrated his 45th
coronation anniversary.
The visit by Ooni was unique as he became the first
Ife monarch to visit the Alaafin since 1937.
The visit was equally exceptional, especially with the
rivalry over supremacy that existed between the
Alaafin and Ogunwusi successor, Oba Okunade
Sijuade.
About 100 Yoruba traditional rulers witnessed the
historic visit,
At the Methodist Church, Apaara, Oyo, where the
thanksgiving to mark the anniversary of the Alaafin's
coronation was held, there were mixed feelings among
those who celebrated with Alaafin after it was
announced that the new Ooni had reached Oyo to
celebrate with Alaafin.
Ogunwusi 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.
Speaking on the visit, Alaafin said it was the first by
any Ife monarch since 1937. He also said that
although he did not enjoy cordial relationship with the
past Ife monarch, he related well with the other
Yoruba obas, while also commending the Ooni's move
to reconcile all Yoruba obas under a strong umbrella.
He said, "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.
"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".
On his part, Oba Ogunwusi said he recognised the
place of Oyo monarch in Yoruba history, adding that a
new dawn had fallen on Yoruba monarchs and the
people.
He said "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.