It was a moment of surprise and excitement in Oyo town as the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, paid a historic visit to Oyo for the 45th coronation anniversary of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
The Ooni was among the prominent dignitaries who attended the anniversary thanksgiving service held at the Methodist Church, Oyo.
The week-long activities marking the Alaafin’s 45th coronation anniversary commenced on Thursday, January 15, 2016, drawing dignitaries, traditional rulers and other guests to the ancient town.
The Ooni’s appearance at the celebration attracted particular attention because of the historically strained relationship between the Alaafin and the immediate past Ooni of Ife, the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II.
The relationship between the two traditional rulers had been the subject of public interest for years before Oba Sijuwade joined his ancestors.
Against that background, the visit of the new Ooni to Oyo was widely seen as a significant development in the relationship between the two foremost Yoruba traditional institutions.
His presence at the Alaafin’s anniversary celebration was therefore viewed as a symbolic gesture capable of opening a new chapter in the relationship between Ife and Oyo.
For many residents and traditional institution watchers, the historic visit signalled what could be the beginning of a new era of understanding, cooperation and unity between the people of Oyo and Ife.
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