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Tag: Alaafin

  • Alaafin rubbishes supremacy dispute with Ooni, cites colonial-era recognition

    Alaafin rubbishes supremacy dispute with Ooni, cites colonial-era recognition

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has rubbished claims suggesting a supremacy rivalry between himself and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

    In a statement released Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the monarch emphasized that he holds no desire for conflict with any traditional ruler in Yorubaland or beyond.

    The clarification follows recent tensions after the Ooni conferred the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi (also known as Ilaji) during the launch of the indigenous social media platform 2geda in Ibadan. The Alaafin responded by issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the revocation of the title, asserting that the authority to grant titles with jurisdiction across Yorubaland rests solely with the Alaafin.

    Oba Owoade described the Ooni’s action as overstepping traditional boundaries and referenced a Supreme Court judgment which, he claimed, affirmed the Alaafin’s exclusive rights in matters concerning chieftaincy titles of pan-Yoruba significance.

    According to the statement, “The conferment of titles that cover the entire Yorubaland is the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin,” and the Ooni’s actions were described as unlawful and contrary to established traditional and legal protocols.

    Despite this, the Alaafin affirmed he has no interest in engaging in any supremacy battle, citing his dedication to Yoruba unity, culture, and the welfare of his people. Durojaiye quoted the monarch:

    “Why would the Alaafin need to engage in any supremacy battle with any Oba in Yorubaland or elsewhere?”

    The statement portrayed Oba Owoade as a monarch rooted in both tradition and modernity—deeply spiritual, culturally committed, and sworn to uphold the legacy of the Yoruba ancestors, including Ifa and Sango. The Alaafin is said to have made a covenant at a sacred Yoruba shrine to uphold and promote the values and traditions of the Yoruba people.

    Highlighting the historical prominence of the Oyo Empire, the statement noted that Oyo rose to dominance through wealth and military strength, becoming the most authoritative of the early Yoruba states. It further pointed out that during colonial rule, the British recognized the Alaafin as the “Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation” in official treaties and engagements.

    Concluding, the statement emphasized the Alaafin’s unwavering commitment to the dignity of his throne and the prosperity of his subjects, describing the monarchy as a governance system anchored in tradition, royal lineage, and ancestral duty.

  • Yoruba Council Worldwide intervenes in Alaafin, Ooni rift

    Yoruba Council Worldwide intervenes in Alaafin, Ooni rift

    The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW), an umbrella body for Yoruba indigenous people, has called for peace between two revered pillars of its heritage, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife.

    The call is contained in a statement issued by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Charles Adeyemi, on Wednesday in Osogbo.

    The group described both traditional rulers as sacred custodians of the Yoruba history, dignity, and culture.

    It said YCW strongly believed that this moment demanded calm reflection and unity rather than division, which was not in the best interest of the Yoruba race.

    YCW called on respected Yoruba elders, statesmen, and cultural custodians to mediate constructively and help bring about a lasting peace that honours the dignity of both royal stools.

    “We appeal directly to Yoruba sons and daughters, especially the vibrant voices, to let us refrain from speaking ill of our monarchs, especially on social media.

    “Instead, let us be advocates of peace, understanding, and reconciliation.

    “Our words carry weight, and in times of tension, they should be used to build bridges, not walls,” it said.

    According to the group, the Alaafin and Ooni represent eternal symbols of the Yoruba civilisation.

    “Their strength and unity are not only crucial for cultural preservation but also for the collective dignity of the Yoruba nation before the world.

    “While we await the convocation of the Yoruba Obas Conference in order to allow for a peace pact in Yoruba land, we call on both parties to embrace peace.

    “YCW, under the indefatigable hardworking leadership of our Global President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, unity, and cultural pride among all Yoruba people,” said the group.

    It, however, said that through respect, patience, and wisdom, such matters could be resolved peacefully for the benefit of generations to come.

  • Alaafin of Oyo issues Ooni of Ife ultimatum to revoke chieftaincy title

    Alaafin of Oyo issues Ooni of Ife ultimatum to revoke chieftaincy title

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has issued the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, a 48-hour ultimatum to revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title recently conferred on Ibadan business tycoon, Engineer Dotun Sanusi.

    In a statement on Monday signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as an “affront.”

    He also claimed it was a direct challenge to his authority.

    The Alaafin reiterated that he holds the exclusive right to bestow titles that cover the entire Yorubaland.

    According to the statement: “The conferment of a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title by the Ooni is not only ultra vires but an insult to the Titan of Yorubaland.

    “The Supreme Court itself has ruled that only the Alaafin has such authority. Yet, the Ooni continues to act above the law, trampling on both tradition and the courts.”

    The Alaafin warned that if the Ooni fails to withdraw the title within 48 hours, “consequences will follow.”

  • Alaafin supremacy: History, tradition, culture sacrosanct – Olugbon

    Alaafin supremacy: History, tradition, culture sacrosanct – Olugbon

    Oba Olushola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon in Surulere Local Government Area (LGA), Oyo State, says history, tradition and culture are sacrosanct in respecting the Alaafin stool.

    The Oba stated this on Monday while hosting the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, in his palace at Orile-Igbon.

    He declared that history remained an indelible part of life, “even though the world is dynamic today.

    “The Alaafin stool is the most powerful recognised stool which goes beyond Oyo State and has been in existence prior to the Oyo empire.”

    He maintained that the Alaafin stool was loved and cherished by the Yoruba race and beyond, maintaining that the stool was not what anybody could take for granted.

    On the delay in the composition of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Alao said efforts were ongoing to resuscitate the council.

    “I believe in the Gov. Seyi Makinde-led government; we have discussed privately on the Council of Obas’ issue, and the governor meant well.

    “All the governor wants is that the council, which had been dormant for many years, starts working again. So, the hiccups in the process are being addressed,” he said.

    He reiterated his support for Makinde to address the obstacles hindering the resuscitation of the council.

    “I believe that the council will be constituted and start sitting before the end of Gov. Seyi Makinde’s administration; we will all coexist peacefully as traditional rulers,” Oba Alao said.

    The Olugbon appreciated Oba Owoade for choosing the Orile-Igbon palace as the first place to visit as he tours palaces.

    He promised to give the necessary support toward the strengthening of the bond of unity between Orile-Igbon and the Oyo Kingdom.

    In his response, the Alaafin of Oyo commended the Olugbon for promoting the Yoruba cultural heritage and preserving the Yoruba history.

    He equally thanked Oba Alao and all traditional rulers in the Surulere LGA for the show of love.

    He pledged to uphold the unity and harmonious coexistence among all traditional rulers in the state and Yorubaland in general.

  • BREAKING: Oyo gov, Makinde presents staff of office to new Alaafin

    BREAKING: Oyo gov, Makinde presents staff of office to new Alaafin

    Oyo State Governor ,Seyi Makinde has presented the Staff of Office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade.

    The governor made the presentation at his office in Ibadan, the state capital on Monday.

    The symbolic event was performed nearly three years after the death of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.

    The presentation of the staff of office was done amid controversy concerning the choice of the new Alaafin announced by the governor last week.

  • Late Alaafin’s son, AbdulFatai Adeyemi, dies hours to 47th birthday

    Late Alaafin’s son, AbdulFatai Adeyemi, dies hours to 47th birthday

    One of the sons of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Prince AbdulFatai Adeyemi, is dead.

    Adeyemi, popularly known as D-Gov, died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in the early hours of Friday.

    The Oyo prince, who was the immediate past Chairman of Oyo State Local Government Pension Board, died few hours to his 47th birthday.

    The Public Relations Officer of UCH, Mrs Funmilayo Adetuyibi, confirmed the death of the late Alaafin’s son, saying that he died at the hospital on Friday morning.

    Adetuyibi told NAN that AbdulFatai was brought to the hospital around 12.05 a.m. on Friday and died at exactly 3:50 a.m.

    She, however, declined when asked about the disease that the late Oyo prince was suffering from which eventually resulted in his death.

    “I can’t disclose his diagnosis or what killed him because it is against our professional ethics,” the UCH spokesperson said.

    Another source from UCH also spoke about the death of the late Alaafin’s son.

    “Fatai Bayo adeyemi, one-time Secretary of Atiba Local Government, died this morning (Friday). He was married with children. He was reported very ill sometime last year but survived,” the source said.

    AbdulFatai had contested the House of Representatives seat in Oyo Federal Constituency on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019.

    He, however, lost to his brother, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, popularly known as Skimeh, of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    AbdulFatai’s death, it was gathered, has thrown the family of the late Oba Adeyemi and the ancient town of Oyo into mourning.

  • Alaafin: Court adjourns kingmakers’ fresh suit against Gov. Makinde

    Alaafin: Court adjourns kingmakers’ fresh suit against Gov. Makinde

    An Oyo High Court sitting in Awe has adjourned for hearing a fresh suit filed by Oyo kingmakers (Oyomesi) against Gov. Seyi Makinde and two others on the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo till Dec. 14.

    The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters were joined in the suit as co- defendants.

    The claimants in the suit No. HOY/41/2023 are: High Chief Yusuf Ayoola, (Basorun of Oyo), High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo, (Lagunna), High Chief Amuda Yusuf (Akinniku), High Chief Waheed Oyetunji (Aare Ago Basorun) and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau (Baale Alapo).

    The kingmakers, in the suit filed on their behalf by their Lead Counsel, Mr Kazeem Sobaloju, after the withdrawal and subsequent striking out of a similar case by the court, had approached the court on Thursday with a fresh suit.

    Sobaloju reminded the court that he had two pending applications filed on Nov. 1 on the subject matter before the court.

    He said that the counter affidavit to the notice of preliminary objection and the interim injunction were served on him barely 45 minutes ago.

    Sobaloju prayed the court for maintenance of the status quo in spite of the notice of the preliminary objection filed by the defence counsel.

    He equally said that he had filed a counter affidavit to the notice of the preliminary objection.

    However, the defence counsel, Mr L.A. Abiola, who doubles as the Director, Department of Civil Litigation and Advisory Council in the state Ministry of Justice, assured the court of his preparedness to move the application for his notice of preminary objection.

    He said that they were not, in any way, running away from the legal battle.

    According to reports all the claimants were present in court.

    The Presiding Judge, Justice Ladiran Akintola, said following the agreement between both counsel, the matter was adjourned till Dec. 14 for hearing of the preliminary objection filed by the defence counsel.

    NAN

  • Why Gov Makinde rejected nominee for Alaafin stool

    Why Gov Makinde rejected nominee for Alaafin stool

    The aggrieved traditional kingmakers in Oyo town, known as Oyomesi, have said that Gov. Seyi Makinde rejected the nominee forwarded to him as the next Alaafin of Oyo because his selection did not follow due process.

    The kingmakers comprised the Agbaakin of Oyo, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda, the Samu of Oyo, High Chief Alhaji Lamidi Oyewale and Baale Ajagba, Chief Odurinde Olusegun.

    The kingmakers, in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday, said that the process that led to the selection of a certain nominee was flawed and could, therefore, not stand.

    The Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Ayoola had, in a media interview, said that the Oyomesi was waiting on the governor for a formal announcement of the new Alaafin and his eventual inauguration.

    “We concluded the selection process for the new Alaafin on Oct. 4, 2022 and we informed the state government of our decision immediately.

    “As the law of the land demands, we didn’t get any petition against our decision but a suit was filed against us.

    “We got our own lawyer and we won the case, with the court throwing away the case and stating that the initial decision that Oyomesi made was right.

    “Since then, we have expected the governor to make an announcement but he didn’t. We will continue to wait for him to do that,” Ayoola was quoted to have said.

    However, the aggrieved kingmakers faulted the statement credited to him, submitting that he failed to convey a meeting of the Oyomesi, in flagrant disregard to the governor’s directive.

    They also alleged that the Basorun disregarded the town’s chieftaincy process, with the nomination of a warrant chief without recourse to the laid down procedure.

    The kingmakers said it was wrong on the part of the high chief to ‘unilaterally’ co-opt warrant officers into the council without the consent of other kingmakers and approval of the local government authority as well as the governor

    “There are five living members of the Oyomesi and there are two warrant chiefs eligible to nominate/recommend a nominee to the governor of Oyo State for appointment as the Alaafin.

    “The kingmakers met only once in 2022 with the following members in attendance: Basorun, Agbaakin, Samu, Akinniku, Lagunna (Oyomesi), joined by Aare Ago Basorun and Alapo (both warrant chiefs unilaterally selected by Basorun without the knowledge or consent of the Oyomesi).

    “As a matter of fact, one of the contestants wrote a letter of protest questioning the inclusion of the warrant chiefs in the kingmakers’ council.

    “It was at the meeting of this ill-constituted seven-member kingmakers’ committee that a nominee for the office of the Alaafin was sent to the government for endorsement.

    “Immediately after submitting our nomination, we got the government response that our nomination could not be accepted because we did not follow due process in coming to our resolution.

    “The government directed that we should go back and do our work properly in accordance with the (chieftaincy) declaration.

    “It was also discovered that one of the warrant chiefs, who participated in our earlier resolution, was replaced with Alajagba,” they said.

    The kingmakers further stated that they were directed to meet and follow due process, claiming, however, that no meeting of the Oyomesi had been convened by the Basorun since last year.

    “The new member of the kingmakers (Alajagba) has been denied the opportunity of participating in or contributing to the resolutions of the kingmakers since his official appointment in 2022.

    “This is because of the blunt refusal of the Basorun to comply with the directive of government for due process in our task of recommending of a nominee to the government,” the kingmaker said.

    They recalled that the governor had, during an official visit to Oyo about seven months ago, held a meeting with the Oyomesi.

    “He specifically told us of his government’s insistence that due process must be followed in the nomination of candidate for the Alaafin stool, as government was only interested in the best for Oyo town.

    “Recently, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs invited us to a meeting in his office. While some of us honoured the invitation, Basorun and others did not attend the meeting,” the kingmakers said.

    Meanwhile, members of the Atiba royal families have vowed to resist any attempt to scheme them out of the selection process of the new Alaafin.

    In a statement by issued on behalf of the families on Monday by Prince Sina Afolabi, they alleged that the kingmakers did not follow due process in their nomination of the candidate for the vacant Alaafin stool.

    “We acknowledge that there were some improper arrangements made in the past, which have since been rejected by the government.

    “These arrangements did not represent a due process that reflects the genuine selection of a new Alaafin. We fully support the government’s decision on this matter.

    “We firmly believe that any process that excludes the nine royal families cannot be considered valid.

    “It is essential that justice, fairness and equity are upheld in the selection processes.

    “To ensure this, we urge Gov. Seyi Makinde to implement the 1976 Adekunle Ladeinde report by allowing the nine ruling houses, including Olawoyin, to participate in the selection processes.

    “It is the duty of the government to promote peace and harmony within the community. We sincerely hope that our plea for justice and fairness will be heard and acted upon,” the Atiba royal families said.

  • What ‘ll determine the emergence of next Alaafin – Makinde

    What ‘ll determine the emergence of next Alaafin – Makinde

    The emergence of next Alaafin of Oyo will be strictly based on the signed Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has said.

    Makinde made this known on Saturday at the State Burial ceremony organised by the state government for the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo Town.

    Recall Adeyemi III, who reigned for 53 years, joined his ancestors on April 23 at the age of 83 years.

    The governor explained that the process to select a new Alaafin would not go beyond the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration, in spite of calls from some people to recognise other royal families.

    “Let our people in Oyo Town know that some people came to me and said that the first Alaafin gave birth to about 13 children and that only two out of them were recognised and that this is an opportunity to bring in others.

    “And, I asked them, if it is in the Alaafin Declaration, but they said it is inside a Declaration that was not signed.

    “I told them a new Alaafin will be selected only through the Declaration that was signed,” Makinde declared.

    Eulogising the late traditional ruler, the governor said that the late Oba lived an impactful life.

    According to him, Oyo State has lost an irreplaceable king, “an encyclopaedia of Yoruba History and Culture.

    “I can only say that we have lost a king that is irreplaceable, but we have to accept the fact that we cannot question God.

    “God was merciful to Baba, because it is not easy to spend more than 50 years on the throne of your forefathers.

    “So, it is celebration of life for us today,” he said.

    In her remarks, the Secretary to State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, said that the late Adeyemi was known for consistently blessing governments with quality advice on all issues.

    According to Adeosun, the event was rightly dubbed a celebration of life in view of the eventful life led by the departed traditional ruler.

    “Looking at the trajectory of this unique Oba, one would easily conclude that Oba Adeyemi was born to be a king.

    “He had the vision to be the Alaafin from a young age and prepared himself for that great assignment.

    “As we can all see, nature did the rest for him and he was chosen as the Alaafin on Nov. 18, 1970.

    “While he had the weight of the Alaafin stool thrusted on his shoulders at a young age, he carried on with incredible poise and gait, stealing the shows in many of the public events he attended.

    “It did not come as a surprise that he, in no time, emerged the repository of Yoruba traditional history,” Adeosun said.

    She said further that Adeyemi was an avid reader who was always in ultimate search of knowledge.

    “He was a king who never lost sight of the sense of history that birthed the stool he sat upon.

    “His actions always depicted him as one who was ruling, not just Oyo Town, but Oyo Empire, as exemplified by his ancestors, whose realm of authority as administrators of the famous Oyo Empire extended beyond what is currently known as the Nigerian nation.

    “He carried himself as one traditional ruler who was responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of the Yoruba people anywhere they may be found and the Yoruba nation.

    “In that wise, Alaafin Adeyemi III never shied away from making public comments on issues he believed could discomfort his people at any point in time,” she said.

    The event had in attendance the Deputy Governors of Oyo and Osun, Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan and Mr Benedict Alabi, respectively.

    Others were Osun State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Ademola Adeleke; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi; the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams and other prominent traditional rulers from Oyo State.

  • Atiku mourns Alaafin of Oyo

    Atiku mourns Alaafin of Oyo

    Former Vice President and also a 2023 Presidential aspirant Atiku Abubakar, has described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as a great loss for Nigeria and Africa at large.

    Abubakar in a statement by his Special Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Saturday in Abuja, said that the late Oba Adeyemi was a worthy ambassador of Yoruba culture and royal elegance.

    The former vice president recalled that his last encounter with Oba Adeyemi was during the coronation of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun in Ibadan.

    “I admired the royal splendour of Oba Adeyemi and the fact that he remained the longest-serving Alaafin means that Oyo and indeed Nigerians will not forget his reign,” he said.

    Abubakar, who said that he was deeply touched by the news of Oba Adeyemi’s demise, commiserates with his immediate family, Gov. Seyi Makinde, the government and the people of Oyo State.

    He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the late king a gentle repose and to give his immediate family and the people of Oyo Kingdom the fortitude to bear the loss.