The newly-crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, yesterday made a historic visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who celebrated his 45th coronation anniversary.
The new Ooni became the first monarch to visit the Alaafin since 1937 as every other monarch from Ife had shunned the Alaafin while the Alaafin did the same.
The visit was witnessed by 100’s of traditional rulers who had come to rejoice with Oba Lamidi Adeyemi at the Methodist Church, Apaara in Oyo. A lot of people were surprised when it was announced at the church that the new Ooni of Ife was on his way to celebrate with the Oba. On getting there, Oba Lamidi hugged him and assured him he was ready to work with him stating that indeed he is different.
The Oba 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. 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 Ooni also replied saying:
“I had a close 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.”
“It is a new dawn for all Yoruba sons and daughters around the globe. Ore l’a o mase…Awa o ba ti ja wa ooo, Ore l’a o ma se (We are friends and not enemies). 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 the Yoruba, both home and abroad and I am ready to work with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi, to project the unity and love which we believe is existing in the days of our forefathers.” Ooni said.
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