In a significant move aimed at fostering unity and collaboration among Yoruba traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, have launched a new initiative to enhance cooperation and unity among Yoruba Obas. This partnership also seeks to improve the security and welfare of the people in the six Southwest states of Nigeria.
According to a statement from the Olugbon, this collaboration is set to promote the Omoluabi ethos a set of values emphasizing good character and integrity ensuring that current leaders build a legacy that future generations can admire and uphold.
The Olugbon highlighted the importance of creating harmonious relationships among traditional rulers, as well as working closely with governors to prioritize the needs of their subjects. The initiative stems from Olugbon’s recent visit to Ooni Ogunwusi’s palace in Ile Ife, where he congratulated the Ooni on his 50th birthday. Their discussions covered various issues, including the perceived lack of unity among Yoruba Obas and the urgent need for a stronger focus on security and welfare across Yoruba land and Nigeria.
Olugbon’s statement emphasized a shared goal with the Ooni to fortify relationships among Yoruba Obas, counteract divisive influences, and build solidarity in the face of potential conflicts among rulers. He made an appeal to those who might foster disunity among the Yoruba leaders to abandon such actions, reiterating a firm stance that fifth columnists would no longer prevail.
The Olugbon also addressed misleading social media reports suggesting that the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, ignored Oba Ogunwusi during a visit. He clarified that Ooni Ogunwusi had not visited the Oluwo’s palace, as these rumors claimed, and noted that such false narratives serve only to sow discord, distracting from the unity agenda.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s current economic challenges, the Olugbon and Ooni Ogunwusi acknowledged that the global economic climate has influenced inflation and hardship in many countries, including Nigeria. They highlighted how past economic mismanagement has compounded these difficulties, leaving the country with financial issues that demand complex reforms.
Expressing support for President Bola Tinubu’s recent economic measures, both monarchs urged Nigerians especially those in the Southwest to be patient as the administration works toward sustainable economic recovery. They committed to cooperating with state governors to mitigate the effects of these economic reforms, while continuing to uphold and promote the Omoluabi ethos across the region.
This partnership between the Ooni of Ife and the Olugbon marks a progressive step toward uniting Yoruba traditional rulers, fostering peace, and addressing the welfare and security needs of their people. It embodies a spirit of unity and collaboration among Yoruba leaders, encouraging all Yoruba Obas to come together in solidarity. Their united efforts, grounded in mutual respect and shared values, are expected to set the foundation for a brighter, more cohesive future for Yoruba land.