The Owa of Igbajo, HRM Oba Dr. ASK Makinde (Onigemo I), has called for greater unity, dialogue and reconciliation among Yoruba communities and Nigerians as the country commemorates the 140th anniversary of the Kiriji Peace Treaty.

Oba Makinde made the call in a goodwill message delivered at the 140th Anniversary Commemoration of the Kiriji Peace Treaty held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on September 21, 2026.

The traditional ruler said the history of Kiriji remains deeply connected to the ancestral memory of Igbajo and the broader history of the Yoruba people.

According to him, Igbajo occupied a significant position during the turbulent period surrounding the Kiriji War, with its people becoming part of the complex network of alliances, movements and struggles that shaped the period.

Oba Makinde said the importance of the Kiriji Peace Treaty goes beyond the conflict itself, stressing that its greatest lesson lies in the ability of the people to move from confrontation to negotiation and ultimately reconciliation.

He noted that the eventual peace demonstrated the wisdom of the ancestors in recognising that communities could not achieve lasting progress through division.

“The Kiriji Peace Treaty should therefore serve as a living reminder that unity is not the absence of differences; it is the ability to transcend differences in pursuit of a greater common good,” the Owa said.

The monarch urged traditional institutions to play a greater role in preserving historical knowledge and passing the lessons of the Kiriji era to younger generations.

He said the courage of the ancestors should not only be remembered in the context of warfare, but also for their wisdom in embracing peace and reconciliation when it became necessary.

Oba Makinde commended the organisers of the 140th anniversary for reviving an important chapter of Yoruba history and providing an avenue for reflection on its relevance to contemporary Nigeria.

He also reaffirmed Igbajo's commitment to the values of peace, unity, cultural heritage and collective development.

The Owa expressed hope that the spirit of reconciliation that ended the Kiriji conflict would continue to guide present and future generations, strengthen unity among Yoruba communities and contribute to a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

He concluded by calling for the preservation of the legacy of Kiriji and the continued promotion of peaceful coexistence among communities across Nigeria.