The newly-crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba
Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Sunday made 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 also exceptional, especially with the supremacy battle that existed
between the Alaafin and Ogunwusi’s successor, Oba Okunade Sijuade.
Witnessing the historic visit were about 100 Yoruba traditional rulers.
At the Methodist Church, Apaara, Oyo,
where the Alaafin coronation anniversary thanksgiving was held, there
were mixed feelings among dignitaries at the church 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 new
Ooni’s move to reconcile all Yoruba monarchs.
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. 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 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.”
In his speech, 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.
“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.
After the service, the monarchs
including Oba Ogunwusi and other well wishers moved to the Alaafin’s
palace, where they were entertained.
The two monarchs also had a private discussion in the inner chamber of the palace for about 20 minutes.
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