Ooni Makes History, Visits Alaafin of Oyo After 79 Years

This new Ooni is a gentle man to the core! Newly-crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, made a historic visit on Sunday to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who celebrated his 45th coronation anniversary.

The new Ooni became the first Ife monarch to visit the Alaafin since 1937 as every other monarch from Ife had shunned the Alaafin while the Alaafin did the same.

The visit was witnessed by over 100 traditional rulers who had come to rejoice with Oba Lamidi Adeyemi at the Methodist Church, Apaara in Oyo. A lot of people were surprised when it was announced at the church that the new Ooni of Ife was on his way to celebrate with the Oba.

When the Ooni arrived, Alaafin hugged him and assured him he was ready to work with him stating that indeed he is different.

The Oba said; “May your reign be long, Ooni. I am happy with Ooni Ogunwusi’s moves to unite all Yoruba Obas. This special visit was done last in March 1937, that was the first time the kings in Yorubaland met in Oyo town. Today, history was made with the visit of Arole Oodua Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and I feel delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with you."