OONI OF IFE AND NEW ALAAFIN OF OYO MAKE HISTORIC JOINT APPEARANCE AT WAES 2025
— A Renewed Dawn for Yoruba Unity and Pan-African Diplomacy
History was made on Day 2 of the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) 2025 as two of the most revered royal thrones in Yorubaland — the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin — made a remarkable joint appearance at the summit, signaling a renewed chapter of unity, tradition, and cultural diplomacy.
This marks the first public outing the two royal icons have made together since the official enthronement of the new Alaafin of Oyo, following the passing of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. The moment was rich with symbolism, as both kings arrived in regal grace, seated in unity, and warmly acknowledged by dignitaries, political leaders, and fellow royals from across West Africa.
Their presence at WAES 2025, a high-level gathering of African presidents, regional leaders, and policy influencers, underscores the enduring role of traditional institutions in fostering not only cultural heritage but also regional cooperation, peacebuilding, and continental development.
The Ooni, a known advocate for African unity and youth empowerment, reaffirmed in his interactions that “true progress must reflect the roots of our identity.” His counterpart, the Alaafin, expressed commitment to using his reign to promote peace, economic collaboration, and stronger traditional ties among Yoruba people and beyond.
Observers noted that their joint appearance sends a strong signal of harmony within the Yoruba traditional system — a development hailed by scholars, historians, and cultural stakeholders as pivotal in healing past divides and fostering collective advancement.
As Societal Concerns Media Network continues its comprehensive coverage of WAES 2025, this royal outing will be remembered as more than a ceremonial moment — it is a call for cultural alignment in the age of African transformation.
