The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, have congratulated the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on his 10th coronation anniversary, commending his leadership, influence and unifying role across Yorubaland.
In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin praised the Ooni’s exposure, knowledge and charisma, noting that these qualities have strengthened the influence of Ile-Ife under his reign.
Describing the Ooni as a monarch whose “wisdom, warmth and friendliness” have fostered peace and civility, Oba Owoade prayed for more fruitful years on the throne. He also used the anniversary to advocate unity among Yoruba traditional rulers.
“As monarchs, we have three responsibilities: maintaining peace, culture and tradition. Our duty is to serve as custodians of ancestral legacies,” he said, stressing that unity must be rooted in mutual trust and shared interests.
The Alaafin and the Ooni had clashed in August 2025 over the conferment of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title on businessman Dotun Sanusi. Oba Owoade had faulted the action, insisting that only the Alaafin could confer titles covering the entire Yorubaland. The Ooni’s palace declined an official response at the time, saying it would “not dignify the undignifiable” and calling for focus on unifying narratives.
Also commemorating the anniversary, the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, praised the Ooni for promoting “love, unity and a sense of purpose” throughout his 10-year reign. He described the Ooni’s fatherly disposition as a source of admiration across Yoruba communities.
“Kabiyesi, your love and support for the people of Ilawe Ekiti is unquantifiable,” he said, recalling the Ooni’s interventions on matters affecting the town as well as his role in fostering harmony among Ekiti monarchs during his tenure as chairman of the state traditional council.
Oba Alabi also highlighted the Ooni’s involvement in resolving the 2020 dispute between then-governor Kayode Fayemi and the Pelupelu Obas, noting that the monarch “personally visited us to ensure peace.”
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, a prince from the Giesi ruling house, became the 51st Ooni of Ife in 2015 and received his staff of office during the administration of former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola.
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