The Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Committee on Tuesday commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for visiting the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, during the celebration of the latter’s 45th coronation anniversary in Oyo.

At the end of its meeting in Ibadan, the secretary of the committee, the Sabiganna of Iganna, Oyo State, Oba Saliu Oyemonla, who read a communiqué to journalists, said that the committee had attempted to achieve the reconciliatory move by the Ooni.

He said Yoruba monarchs would strive to consolidate the peace move in order to foster unity.

Oyemonla called on politicians not to fan the embers of discord among Yoruba monarchs through the politicisation of traditional matters.

The communiqué read, “We have been working for peace and unity of the Yoruba race. Lack of unity has been the problem affecting the Yoruba race as a nation. Our efforts have yielded a fruitful result with the visit of Ooni Ogunwusi to the Alaafin of Oyo, on Sunday.

“It marked a turning point in the history of the Yoruba race. This shows that the Yoruba have come together and decided to unite. This committee will not rest on its oars. The target is to ensure that we consolidate on the gains of our efforts and enthrone unity among the Yoruba people.

“We plan to do this by meeting the Alaafin and other principal monarchs. What the newly-crowned Ooni did is a plus to the effort of this committee and it is commendable.”

Oba Oyemonla added that unity among Yoruba traditional leaders would promote development.

“If the Ooni and the Alaafin represent the interest of the Yoruba people in a meeting, we will not be maginalised because they are respected principal traditional rulers. With unity among the Yoruba, our politicians can speak with one voice for the benefits of the race,” he added.

The committee secretary also called on Yoruba politicians to respect traditional rulers and join hands with them in crisis management and the development of the race.