Concerned Omo Yoruba Worldwide Berates Alaafin’s Contempt Toward Ooni of Ife

 

The Concerned Omo Yoruba Worldwide joins millions of Oodua descendants across the globe in condemning the recent actions and statements of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Hakeem Owoade, directed against the Arole Oodua, His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojájá II, CFR., L.L.D.

We received with shock the press release purportedly issued by the Alaafin, wherein he openly challenged the authority of the Ooni to confer the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo Oodua on Engineer Dotun Sanusi, a highly respected Ibadan son and entrepreneur of note. The outcry from the Alaafin’s palace over this conferment is both unnecessary and unwarranted. Even more troubling is the unprecedented 48-hour ultimatum allegedly issued to the Ooni; an action we regard as a blatant display of disrespect, bereft of the decency, wisdom, and diplomacy expected of royalty.

It is important to emphasize that the Ooni of Ife is not only the custodian of the sacred Oduduwa stool but also a globally recognized figure whose contributions to culture, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment have earned him numerous academic and institutional honors. 

It is also important to note that the Alaafin’s contemptuous behavior toward the Ooni did not begin today. From his coronation day, where he failed to acknowledge the Ooni’s presence, to his subsequent “thank you” visits where the Ooni was deliberately ignored, his conduct has consistently projected disdain. This pattern continued most recently at a First Lady’s event in Ibadan, where, unlike other royal fathers who rose to greet the Ooni, the Alaafin defiantly remained seated, only to later be seen in viral footage rising eagerly to greet the First Lady, drawing public ridicule and taunts on social media.

Aside from provoking the Yoruba people and insulting the sacred stool of the Ooni, the Alaafin’s recent press statement is demeaning to the status of his own throne, especially when compared with the poise, dignity, and grace with which his predecessor, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, carried himself throughout his distinguished reign.

We strongly advise the Alaafin to restructure his palace operations, particularly his media team, to align with best practices in public communication. Royal handlers must always comport themselves with decorum and maturity befitting the dignity of the throne.

It is also wrong and misleading to portray the situation as if both revered monarchs are engaged in a feud. The truth, which is crystal clear to all, is that the Alaafin has been the aggressor who’s consistently treading this ignoble path since his ascension to the throne. The Ooni of Ife, in contrast, has maintained peace, maturity, and restraint, refusing to be drawn into unnecessary confrontation.

Also, the Ooni of Ife has consistently displayed maturity, peace, and restraint, extending hands of fellowship in every public engagement despite repeated provocations. Any attempt to undermine this sacred hierarchy is misplaced and unacceptable.

Prior to Alaafin’s ascension, the Southwest enjoyed relative peace and unity among our royal fathers. It is, therefore, imperative that the Alaafin and his aides desist from actions and utterances capable of sowing discord within Yorubaland. Again, we also urge the Alaafin’s press secretary to exercise restraint and decorum in public communications, as the dignity of the throne must never be compromised.

The Concerned Omo Yoruba Worldwide reaffirms its commitment to peace, unity, and respect for Yoruba traditional institutions. We call on the Alaafin to comport himself in a manner befitting of royalty and to prioritize the collective interest of the Yoruba nation over personal sentiments.

 

Signed

Chief Akogun Tunde Omololu leader (Concerned Omo Yoruba Worldwide)