Ooni blames Yoruba monarchs' rivalry on feud

THE rivalry between the late political sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, which caused political crisis in the First Republic, is the basis of the current disagreement among traditional rulers in the South-West, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has said.

The monarch, who spoke with journalists in his palace as part of activities commemorating his 80th birthday holding tomorrow, however, said that concerted effort is on to reconcile affected traditional rulers in order to promote peace, unity and mutual understanding.

The Ooni, who gave indication that the differences between the traditional rulers would soon be resolved, said the crisis between the two eminent politicians that held sway in the nation's polity in the early 60s led to division among some traditional rulers in the South-West.