The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) made history yesterday when became the first Ooni to visit the Alaafin of Oyo in the ancient Oyo town since 1937 (97 years after the then Ooni visited Oyo).
The Methodist Church, Apaara, venue of the 45th coronation anniversary thanksgiving of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, became electrified immediately news filtered in that Oba Ogunwusi’s convoy has reached Owode, followed by many other Obas.
The late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and Oba Adeyemi were embroiled in supremacy battle throughout the reign of the former.
Dressed in the normal Ooni trademark attire, Oba Ogunwusi shook hands with the Alaafin as they sat on the same chair, beaming with smiles.
An elated Oba Adeyemi, who had earlier read from the Bible, said the last time an Ooni visited the Alaafin was in 1937, adding that he was very close to many royal fathers in Yorubaland and beyond.
Revealing how close he was to to the late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, Alaafin said he never disrespected him but prayed for his longevity on the throne.
He said, “The misunderstanding started during the reign of the last Ooni. May your reign be long, Ooni. I am happy with Ooni Ogunwusi’s moves to unite all Yoruba Obas.”
Responding, Oba Ogunwusi described the Alaafin as a great monarch, saying that, “it is a new dawn for all Yoruba sons and daughters around the globe,” The Ooni later ended his speech with a song , “Ore l’ao mase…Awa o ba ti ja wa ooo, Ore l’ao ma se” (We will continue to be friends, We did not come to fight).”
Oba Ogunwusi and other royal fathers were later hosted inside Alaafin’s palace. Present at the historic event were more than 30 Obas including the Timi of Ede, Owa Ajero of Ijero, Ore of Otun Ekiti, Orangun of Ila, Akinrun of Ikirun, Aragbiji of Iragbiji and Elerin of Erin Osun.
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