I Hold Ooni, Other Custodians Of Yoruba Heritage In High Regard – Alaafin

Following an alleged royal supremacy tussle, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has declared that he holds the Ooni of Ife and all custodians of Yoruba heritage in high regard.

The monarch added that he was deeply committed to working with them to chart a new path of unity, justice, and sustainable development across our land.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video showing him seated while greeting the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at a recent public event.

Reacting to the development in a statement by his Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, Oba Owoade described the reactions trailing the incident as a deliberate attempt by bloggers and online commentators to sow discord between Yoruba traditional rulers.

He noted that the controversy distracted from more pressing issues affecting the region, including insecurity, economic hardship, and sustainable development.

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Alaafin reaffirmed his deep respect for the Ooni of Ife and all custodians of Yoruba tradition, stating that he remains committed to inter-royal collaboration as a foundation for peace, unity, and progress in Yoruba land.

The footage, which emerged from an event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan on Tuesday, has continued to elicit reactions on social media.

The video captures when Ooni arrives, prompting other monarchs to rise and exchange greetings while Alaafin remains seated.

“It has come to our attention that certain bloggers and online commentators are generating needless controversies surrounding the interaction between our revered monarchs in Yorubaland- namely, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife- at a recent public function.

“This latest instalment in a series of manufactured debates is an unhelpful exercise that distracts and detracts from the critical issues to which sons and daughters of Yoruba land should devote their energy and focus.

“When our people face profound socio-economic and security challenges, it is incumbent on all of us- leaders, youths, traditional institutions, and citizens alike- to rise above pettiness and prioritise the work of uplifting our communities.

“The welfare of our people, the protection of lives and property, the empowerment of our youth population, and the revitalisation of traditional values for development are the matters that truly deserve attention.

“His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Alaafin of Oyo, remains unwavering in his commitment to these priorities. He believes in a future of collaborative progress and views synergy between traditional institutions as a vital pillar for stability and advancement in Yoruba land.

“The Alaafin holds the Ooni of Ife- and all custodians of Yoruba heritage- in high regard and is deeply committed to working hand-in-hand with them to chart a new path of unity, justice, and sustainable development across our land,’’ he said.