Business magnate, Sir Kensington Adebutu, fondly called Baba Ijebu, on Friday played a pivotal role in reconciling the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, ending a months-long rift between the two foremost Yoruba monarchs.
The reconciliation took place on the sidelines of Adebutu’s 90th birthday celebration held in Lagos, where both traditional rulers publicly embraced and announced the formation of a Joint Council for Yoruba Unity.
According to a joint communiqué signed by both monarchs and witnessed by Adebutu, the new council would focus on fostering peace, preserving Yoruba culture, and promoting socioeconomic development across the Southwest.
“Today marks a defining chapter in our shared history,” the communiqué read. “We reaffirm our dedication to promoting harmony among all Yoruba sons and daughters, and upholding the sacred values of mutual respect and brotherhood handed down by our ancestors.”
The statement, issued by Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the communiqué drafting committee, was seen as a symbolic closure to the tension that had strained relations between the royal fathers in recent months.
The disagreement between the Ooni and Alaafin reportedly began after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan-based businessman, Dotun Sanusi.
The Alaafin, who claimed exclusive authority to confer titles covering the entire Yorubaland, described the Ooni’s action as an “affront” and demanded a revocation within 48 hours.
Sources close to the palace said the intervention of Adebutu — widely respected for his philanthropy and nonpartisan influence — was instrumental in calming tempers and bringing both monarchs to the discussion table.
A palace aide said that the reconciliation was “a gesture of wisdom and elder statesmanship by Baba Ijebu, who reminded both monarchs that Yoruba unity must always come before personal or institutional pride.”
The peace meeting, which reportedly lasted over an hour, was followed by light-hearted moments at Adebutu’s grand celebration, with both monarchs seated side by side — a gesture that drew applause from guests.
Observers say the formation of the new Yoruba Unity Council may mark the beginning of renewed collaboration among traditional rulers in the region, long seen as central to the preservation of the Yoruba heritage.
With Friday’s reconciliation, Adebutu added yet another feather to his cap — not just as a philanthropist and businessman, but as a unifier in the delicate terrain of Yoruba royalty.
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