The Yoruba Heritage Forum has commended the Odole-Oodua, Sir Kessington Adebutu, for convening a meeting between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.
The Forum commended the nonagenarian billionaire for what it described as his statesmanlike gesture in organising the historic meeting between the two prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, held in Lagos.
The Yoruba Heritage Forum stated in a statement by its General Secretary, Olufemi Aduwo that “this landmark gathering marks a renewed dawn in the quest for unity, understanding, and mutual respect among the revered thrones and kingdoms of Yorubaland.”
It stated further: “Sir Adebutu’s initiative, hosted in celebration of his 90th birthday, was not merely an occasion of festivity but a profound act of service to the Yoruba Nation, an affirmation of his abiding faith in peace and the collective destiny of our people.
“As the Yoruba proverb wisely reminds us, “Agba o lewa l’oja kori omo tuntun wo,” the blessing of the elders sanctifies the day a child is born.
“In that spirit, Sir Adebutu, a true elder of wisdom and grace, has once again bestowed a blessing upon Yorubaland by nurturing reconciliation and brotherhood between two thrones of immense historical and spiritual significance.”
The Forum stated that it strongly applauds the creation of the Joint Council of Yoruba Unity, as announced by the two traditional rulers.
It noted that the new Yoruba group will serve as a unifying platform for cultural preservation, peace-building and socio-economic development across Yorubaland.
“This initiative is a monumental step towards restoring the grandeur of Yoruba Civilisation one built upon harmony, justice and respect for tradition.
“We call upon all Yoruba leaders, traditional, political, religious and intellectual to emulate the exemplary conduct of Sir Adebutu and the royal fathers.
“The Yoruba Nation must rise above personal ambition and narrow interests to uphold the sacred values bequeathed by our ancestors. Unity is not merely desirable, it is indispensable to our survival, dignity and progress.
“The Yoruba Heritage Forum prays that the Almighty God will continue to endow Sir Kessington Adebutu, the Ooni of Ife, and the Alaafin of Oyo with wisdom, strength, and longevity to continue steering the Yoruba race toward peace, greatness, and global respect.
“When our thrones stand united, the entire House of Oduduwa stands unshaken,” the Forum stated in the release.
