Apparently worried by the ongoing controversy between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon Oba Francis Olushola Alao has sued for peace for the interest of Yoruba race, revealing he had reached out to the two royal fathers.
During the week, a release from the Alaafin’s Palace triggered public reactions which have since exposed Yoruba traditional institution to ridicule, hence the Olugbon’s intervention and passionate appeal to supporters of the two sides.
Specifically, Oba Alao cautioned all Yoruba blood to avoid emotional outbursts that will drag the throne of the Ooni and Alaafin in the mud over what he described as speculative title conferment on Chief Dotun Sanusi, an Ibadan-based business man.
The Olugbon, who is the Deputy Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, in a statement on Wednesday said he had consulted both leading monarchs and confirmed that they were both interested in unity and peace in Yoruba land.
The statement reads in part: “The latest controversy over the speculative conferment of Okanlomo of Yoruba land on one of our illustrious sons Chief Dotun Sanusi, who is the proprietor of Ilaji Resort and Sports Centre, Ibadan, is unnecessary. There is no substance in the issue because it was a mere speculation. I am in touch with both Alaafin and Ooni, and I can confirm that both traditional rulers are not interested in dragging the issue. They are both for peace and unity. I have said it before that Ooni remains Ooni , and Alaafin remains Alaafin. There is no supremacy battle.
“I, therefore, appeal to all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world to be calm, avoid nursing any pain on the issue and stop the media comments that are dragging the controversy unnecessarily.
Yoruba culture is built around unity, peace, kindness, respect for others and honour for obas. Dragging one another in the media over a speculative issue runs against our moral fabrics, honour for the thrones of both obas, and the sense of togetherness that stand us out as a people.
“Even in the face of misunderstanding which is not abnormal in human relations, caution must not be thrown to the wind. Our culture of respect for monarchs must not be overshadowed by emotion because it is one of the things that stand out our culture. We should not allow Yoruba monarchs to be debased by social media content creators. Obas’ thrones are too sacred to be desecrated by all and sundry. I urge us to keep the sanctity of our thrones which represent the totality of who we are. Let us continue to uphold the omoluabi ethos in all situations. As obas, we are deep in efforts that will bring development, peace and unity to Yoruba land.”
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