The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on his 10th coronation anniversary, urging strengthened unity among Yoruba traditional rulers.
The message comes months after tensions between the two revered thrones over the conferment of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title—an episode that triggered heated exchanges before peace was restored through the intervention of respected mediators.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin said he joins the people of Oyo Kingdom and the governments of Oyo and Osun States in celebrating the landmark anniversary of the Ooni.
Oba Owoade praised the Ooni’s unwavering commitment and resilience in leading his people, expressing confidence that his “wisdom, warmth, and friendliness” will continue to foster harmony and civility across Ile-Ife.
He offered prayers for a prosperous reign for Oba Ogunwusi, noting that gratitude enriches leadership and opens the heart to divine favour.
He added:
“If you focus on the good in every situation, life becomes filled with gratitude — a virtue that nurtures the soul and reveals profound moments that reshape how we experience the world.”
Speaking on the responsibilities of traditional rulers, the Alaafin emphasized that monarchs are entrusted with preserving peace, culture, and ancestral heritage, not religious leadership.
“Our mandate is to safeguard the legacies of our forebears so they never go extinct,” he said.
Oba Owoade further underscored that unity must rest on trust, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.
“Unity thrives on reciprocal brotherhood and collective values,” he noted.
Addressing Nigeria’s diversity, he stressed the importance of embracing differences as a foundational principle of federalism.
“Nigeria’s mosaic of cultures must be nurtured through deliberate efforts to strengthen unity in diversity,” he said.
The Alaafin concluded by extending goodwill to the Ooni, wishing him many more fruitful years on the throne.
