I Hold Ooni Of Ife In High Regard, Alaafin Owoade Reacts To Viral Video
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – Against the report by some bloggers and online commentators that the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi are engaged in a frosty supremacy tussle, the Media Office of the Alaafin has dispelled it, saying that the monarch holds Ooni in high regard.
In a release signed by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, “this latest instalment in a series of manufactured debates is an unhelpful exercise that distracts and detracts from the truly important issues to which sons and daughters of Yorubaland should devote their energy and focus.
“At a time 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- these are the matters that truly deserve attention.
“His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, 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 Yorubaland.
“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.
“Our forebears understood the weight of royal responsibility and the sacred duty to protect, unite, and lead with dignity.
“Alaafin Owoade embraces this legacy with humility and honour. He will not be drawn into performative gestures or public spectacles that reduce the gravitas of Yoruba monarchy to fodder for digital sensationalism.
“We therefore call on the public to reject attempts to sow seeds of discord and instead join us in reimagining a Yorubaland where our traditions serve as catalysts for progress, and where our revered thrones stand not in competition, but in purposeful cooperation