The Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Otunba Moses Olafare, has met with former Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Benin, Professor François Abiola, amid renewed efforts to strengthen historical and cultural ties between Yoruba and Nagot communities across Nigeria and the neighbouring country.
The meeting took place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the palace of the Oba Onilaso of Ilaso Kingdom in the Republic of Benin, according to a statement issued by Sodiq Lawal, Senior Media Officer at the Ooni’s Palace.
The engagement comes as Yoruba and Nagot traditional rulers seek to translate longstanding historical connections into practical initiatives focused on cultural preservation, community cooperation and reconciliation among traditional institutions across the border.
A document detailing deliberations by Yoruba and Nagot traditional rulers at a meeting in Savè, Republic of Benin, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, outlined resolutions aimed at strengthening these relationships following a recent visit to Ile-Ife, the Source of Yoruba Civilization.
The meeting, held under the chairmanship of His Majesty Kifouli Adchoumi and facilitated by Professor François Abiola, brought together traditional rulers representing communities including Sakété, Pobè, Kétou, Dassa, Ouèssè, Bassila, Glazoué, Savè, Tchaourou and Adjohoun.
According to the document, the deliberations focused on translating the outcomes of the delegation’s visit to Ile-Ife into concrete actions to promote unity, preserve shared heritage and deepen cooperation among Yoruba and Nagot communities.
The Beninese delegation visited Ile-Ife from September 18 to 20, 2026, for cultural exchanges, historical reflection and discussions on the relationships linking communities on both sides of the Nigeria–Benin border.
During the visit, the delegation participated in activities at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II. Discussions centred on royal traditions, historical connections, cultural identity and the preservation of collective memory.
The visit provided an opportunity for traditional rulers and other participants to reflect on the historical relationships connecting their communities and consider ways to sustain those ties through structured collaboration.
A major area of emphasis at the Savè meeting was the need to strengthen the documentation of Yoruba and Nagot history through oral traditions, archival materials, testimonies from custodians of historical memory and academic research.
The participants underscored the importance of preserving historical accounts and making them accessible to younger generations, ensuring that the cultural connections between the communities are not lost over time.
Among the proposals was the exploration of a partnership with Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to advance historical research, preserve significant heritage sites and promote the transmission of cultural knowledge to younger generations.
The proposed collaboration could provide an academic framework for investigating historical relationships, documenting traditional institutions and preserving cultural resources associated with Yoruba and Nagot communities.
The meeting also called for stronger cohesion among members of the ORISA APAPO OBA YORUBA DIASPORA organisation, alongside practical initiatives involving traditional rulers in the Republic of Benin.
Greater youth participation in academic and cultural programmes was identified as another priority, reflecting the need to connect younger generations with their history, traditions and shared cultural identity.
The document further disclosed that the traditional rulers appealed to the Ooni of Ife to support efforts to address historical grievances and promote reconciliation among Yoruba traditional institutions in the Republic of Benin.
According to the account, the Ooni expressed his willingness to receive and consider the concerns presented.
The appeal highlights the role traditional institutions can play in facilitating dialogue, addressing longstanding concerns and strengthening relationships among communities whose historical and cultural ties extend beyond contemporary national boundaries.
In a related development, Olafare was in Kumasi, Ghana, in connection with the 2026 edition of the Hollywood & African Prestigious Awards (HAPA), where he disclosed his presence at the palace of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and traditional ruler of the Asante Kingdom.
The event, hosted by the Asantehene, brings together personalities and stakeholders associated with African culture and heritage. Olafare’s participation extends his engagements beyond the Republic of Benin to a wider African cultural setting, providing an opportunity for interaction with cultural institutions and personalities.
The Ghana engagement also comes against the backdrop of wider efforts to strengthen cultural connections and encourage exchanges among African communities and institutions.
Taken together, Olafare’s engagements in the Republic of Benin and Ghana highlight the continuing relevance of traditional leadership and cultural diplomacy in sustaining relationships that transcend modern political boundaries.
While the discussions involving Yoruba and Nagot rulers focus on historical documentation, reconciliation and cooperation, the Ghana visit extends the engagements into a broader African cultural setting. Both developments underscore the importance of preserving collective memory, encouraging dialogue and creating opportunities for cultural exchange across communities.
For Ile-Ife, whose historical and cultural significance extends across the Yoruba world, such engagements reinforce the importance of documenting the relationships, traditions and institutions that continue to shape Yoruba identity at home and in the diaspora.
Through its continued documentation of Ile-Ife’s royal institution, cultural heritage and connections with Yoruba communities across borders, Ifecityblog remains committed to preserving the stories and defining moments that carry this heritage forward.