No Dispute Between Ooni, Alaafin, Says Olugbon

The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has declared that there will be no more supremacy battle between the Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife.

Oba Alao stated this while addressing newsmen after a courtesy visit to Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, at his residence on Sunday.

The monarch, who described Alaafin as God’s chosen, said their discussion centred on progressive issues to the Oyo State government, traditional rulers, traditional council, and the entire Yoruba land.

“My purpose of coming here is to pay homage to our leader, Alaafin of Oyo, due to our past relationship, traditionally, culturally, and historically. Olugbon, Aresa, Onikoyi – we see Alaafin as our affiliation, our tide; we have had a very long bond from the days of the Oyo Empire.

“We are happy to be with the new Alaafin of Oyo. We discussed progressive issues with the Oyo State Government, Obas, traditional council, and Yoruba land.

“We are blessed with this new Alaafin. He is very cerebral, he is a man of wisdom, and he chooses his words carefully. He has personality, and he is equipped academically,” he said.

Olugbon, who commended the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, for his sacrificial role towards selecting Alaafin, described the process as “extraordinary’’.

“I believe the government has done the right thing. I will say kudos to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde. He is an excellent and successful governor. He has installed some prominent kings in the state; one of these, Alaafin, is extraordinary and has done it excellently.

“I will tell you that God almighty has chosen a befitting Alaafin for Yoruba land.

“We discussed how the Oyo State Obas’ Council will move forward. He told me the governor is very amiable and an excellent governor. We are working together; there is no way we, as traditional rulers, can do anything independently. We must have a synergy with the state government, and we are doing that.

“These are part of the things we share in common. I know we have a new leader, a new era to move Oyo State Obas’ Council forward, to move Oyo State as a whole forward in synergy with the state government,” he added.

While encouraging traditional rulers in Yoruba land, Oba Alao, the Oyo State Council of Obas vice chairman and Chiefs, appealed for calm among them.