The Yoruba Heritage Forum on Saturday commended Sir Kessington Adebutu, the esteemed Odole-Oodua, for his role in rekindling harmony and fostering unity across Yorubaland.
The Forum in a statement by its General Secretary, Olufemi Aduwo, lauded Adebutu’s statesmanship in convening a historic meeting between His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and His Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, in Lagos.
According to the release, the landmark gathering represents a “renewed dawn” in the pursuit of unity, understanding, and mutual respect among the revered thrones and kingdoms of Yorubaland.
The initiative, hosted in celebration of Adebutu’s 90th birthday, was hailed as a profound act of service to the Yoruba nation and a powerful affirmation of his unwavering faith in peace and the collective destiny of the Yoruba people.
“Sir Adebutu’s initiative… was not merely an occasion of festivity but a profound act of service to the Yoruba nation,” declared Olufemi Aduwo, General Secretary of the Yoruba Heritage Forum. He added, “As the Yoruba proverb wisely reminds us, ‘Agba olewa l’ojo kori omo tuntun we’ – 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.”
The Yoruba Heritage Forum particularly applauded the establishment of the Joint Council of Yoruba Unity, a groundbreaking initiative announced by the monarchs. This council, designed to serve as a unifying platform for cultural preservation, peacebuilding, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland, was hailed as “a monumental step towards restoring the grandeur of Yoruba civilisation.
The Forum further called upon all Yoruba leaders, including traditional, political, religious, and intellectual figures, 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,” the statement urged. “Unity is not merely desirable, it is indispensable to our survival, dignity, and progress.”
Yoruba Heritage Forum prays for Sir Adebutu
The Yoruba Heritage Forum concluded its statement by offering prayers for the continued wisdom, strength, and longevity of Sir Kessington Adebutu, the Ooni of Ife, and the Alaafin of Oyo, wishing them the fortitude to continue steering the Yoruba race towards peace, greatness, and global respect.
“When our thrones stand united, the entire house of Oduduwa stands unshaken,” the statement affirmed.
