Ooni, Alaafin urged to unite for Yoruba survival – Ex-Osun Guber aspirant

OSOGBO — Former Alliance for Democracy governorship candidate and ex-Chairman of Nogerite Ltd, Dr. Yemi Oladimeji, has called on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to set aside ego-driven rivalry and work together for the survival of the Yoruba race.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, Oladimeji warned that ongoing struggles for supremacy among Yoruba monarchs have created a vacuum that politicians are eager to exploit.

I am afraid politicians have seen a gaping hole in the rivalry, not only between the Alaafin and the Ooni, but among other leading Yoruba rulers, and even beyond, including some Northern, South-Eastern, and South-Southern traditional leaders. They are prepared to exploit this to diminish the powers of our royal fathers,” he said.

Oladimeji stressed that historical influence alone is insufficient to resolve tensions and urged the monarchs to adopt creative, forward-looking measures that prioritize the collective interest of the Yoruba people over contests for superiority.

He also cautioned politicians against interfering in chieftaincy matters, describing governors “distributing crowns like cakes” as dangerous and potentially setting bad precedents. He specifically referenced Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, warning that actions perceived as undermining the Alaafin stool could embolden future administrations to act similarly.

Highlighting the historical significance of the Alaafin, Oladimeji noted that the title “His Imperial Majesty” reflects the Alaafin’s rule over the old Oyo Empire, which commanded tribute from Yoruba and non-Yoruba territories, but he emphasized that such historical dominance should not fuel present-day rivalry.

Oladimeji concluded by urging both the Ooni and the Alaafin to prioritize peace, unity, and visionary leadership, even calling for a return to ancestral sanctuaries for spiritual guidance, to protect Yoruba tradition from political encroachment and ensure long-term progress for the race.

Culled from vanguard