Bode Durojaiye, Oyo.
Six weeks after his coronation as the successor to the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Sunday, led 30 traditional rulers to Oyo, Oyo State to felicitate with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, on the 45th anniversary of his coronation.
Before the creation of Osun State in 1991, the Alaafin and the late Ooni Sijuwade were sworn enemies over the chairmanship of old Oyo State Council of Obas.
After the creation of Osun State, the late Ooni continued as the chairman of the state Council of Obas while the Alaafin remains the chairman of Oyo State Council of Obas.
But the relationship between the duo was not cordial.
On Sunday, Ooni Ogunwusi arrived the event at the Methodist Church, Apara, Oyo about 12:15 and embraced the Alaafin to the delight of the mammoth crowd.
Inside the church, they sat beside each other.
The Alaafin read the first lesson taken from Psalm 34 and in his sermon entitled: ‘A Heart Of Gratitude Unto God’,
the Bishop in charge of Methodist Church in Oyo Diocese, Right Reverend Titus Ilori Omoniyi, thanked God for the renewed friendship between the two traditional institutions.
The cleric said: “Today is the beginning of another history for Yoruba race. Twenty-one years ago, this gathering took place here in Oyo. Thereafter, it has been rancour, persecutions and vendetta. Now is another move for progress and development. It is a wonderful move and must be emulated by all Obas. Our royal fathers need to mend fences for the sake of Yoruba race and posterity”.
He thanked the Alaafin for his ‘visionary leadership qualities’ in transforming the ancient town.
The priest, who compared the monarch with the Biblical King David, appreciated God for His divine guidance and good health on the Alaafin.
In his response, Oba Adeyemi, who dispelled insinuations that he was always in dispute with the late Oba Sijuwade, traced his relationship with the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi.
“It was the late Ooni who supported my candidature as the Alaafin of Oyo, at a time when there were persecution and acrimony after the endorsement by the Oyo Mesi”.
The first class monarch, who expressed delight and appreciation for Ooni Ogunwusi and his entourage, recalled that similar visits took place in 1937 when 18
monarchs met in Oyo, 1938 at Ile-Ife, 1939 at Ibadan and 1940 at Ijebu-Ode.
“Since then, Yoruba Obas had been in disarray and not
united. Today’s historical event will be a watershed in the move to re-unite Yoruba Obas and evolve a road map for development and progress”
In his comment, the youthful Ooni, who could not hide his happiness, rendered a beautiful rendition of “ore la o ma se,
awa ko ja mo o”, meaning “we are no more fighting but have become friends” .
The Ooni said that he was particularly happy to be with the Alaafin, who he described as “a paramount ruler par
excellence and father of all”
“Rancour, vendetta and bickerings have come and gone. Prosperity, progress and development shall abound in Yorubaland. Oduduwa, our ancestors, shall prevail on us
and allow peace, love and development to reign in Yorubaland. We must put an end to that curse which had retarded progress and unity in Yorubaland ”
Earlier in his brief remark, retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu
enjoined Yoruba monarchs to put the past behind them and embrace peace.
Highlight of the event was the cutting of cake by the Alaafin and Ooni.
