Alaafin of Oyo, Urge Governors’ Intervention

In a heartfelt and urgent appeal, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought, also known as Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba, have stepped forward to address the rising tension between two of the most revered traditional rulers in Yorubaland—the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade. The group is calling on the two monarchs to immediately put an end to their recent disagreement, which has drawn widespread attention and sparked concerns across the Yoruba community.

The recent conflict between the two monarchs reignited last week when the Alaafin of Oyo publicly disagreed with the Ooni’s decision to confer a traditional title on businessman Dotun Sanusi. This move appeared to have triggered a wave of reactions and accusations from both sides, with their respective supporters fueling the fire across social and traditional media platforms.

Reacting to the development, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, National Leader of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought, released an official statement urging calm and reconciliation. The statement, titled “Time to Sheath the Sword,” was distributed to the public through the group’s National Secretary, Bayo Aina, and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti.

Olusi’s appeal called on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to take immediate steps toward facilitating a resolution between the royal fathers. According to the Yoruba Leaders of Thought, these two governors are well positioned, not only by virtue of their offices but also through their influence in the region, to mediate and help bring the disagreement to a peaceful end.

The group expressed disappointment that a misunderstanding of this nature is taking place at a time when the Yoruba people should be unified in support of one of their most prominent sons, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Rather than focusing on internal conflicts, they believe that efforts should be concentrated on backing Tinubu’s administration to achieve meaningful development, both nationally and for the Yoruba people specifically.

“We are distraught that at a time when every hand should be on deck to support and ensure the unquestionable success of one of the most illustrious Yoruba sons, some of our foremost leaders are fanning the flames of division,” the statement read.

The leaders did not mince words in pointing out how damaging the situation has become. They expressed concern that instead of using historical narratives to inspire pride and unity among Yoruba people, these stories are now being twisted into tools of rivalry and resentment. According to the group, centuries-old histories should serve to uplift and educate, not divide.

“It is saddening that many of our leaders are taking sides in a narrative that has no capacity to transform the current struggles of our people into progress,” Prince Olusi said.

The statement emphasized the need for the South-West Council of Obas to be more proactive in handling disputes of this nature. The group proposed the formation of a standing committee whose responsibility would be to step in and resolve conflicts between traditional rulers before they escalate. They believe that the Council must evolve into a platform for constructive dialogue and peaceful resolution, especially when issues threaten the unity and image of the Yoruba race.

If such a mechanism already exists, Olusi and his team are encouraging it to be activated immediately. They fear that if the current issue is not resolved quickly, it could further damage the respect and honor traditionally accorded to Yoruba monarchs both at home and in the diaspora.

For the Yoruba people, traditional rulers are more than just figureheads. They are seen as symbols of cultural identity, historical continuity, and communal guidance. Disputes between monarchs, therefore, don’t only involve individuals—they have ripple effects that touch entire communities and contribute to the public’s perception of Yoruba unity.

Amidst the tension, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought also found a moment to commend the federal government for a recent key appointment. They praised President Tinubu for selecting Chief Opeyemi Agbaje as the new Chairman of the National Pension Commission. They described the appointment as a strategic one, saying it reflects the President’s commitment to addressing the often-overlooked issue of pensioners’ welfare in Nigeria.

According to the group, Agbaje now holds the crucial responsibility of helping to reduce old age poverty, which they described as a silent crisis affecting retired citizens around the world, including Nigeria. They noted that better management of pension funds and improved access to retirement benefits—without compromising the integrity of the system—can help restore dignity to retirees and ensure they live more comfortably after years of service.

“We believe that prudent and profitable management of pension funds, coupled with easy access for pensioners, will give our elderly population a better life after retirement,” the statement read.

As for the conflict between the Alaafin and the Ooni, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought are urging everyone involved to reflect on the larger picture. They called on both monarchs, their aides, and supporters to recognize the weight of their positions and the potential harm that public disagreements can cause. They reminded all parties that unity is strength, and that the Yoruba race has always thrived when its leaders stand together.

The message from Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba is clear: now is not the time for division. It is a time for healing, collaboration, and a renewed focus on the progress of the Yoruba people. As history has shown, unity among leaders often leads to prosperity among the people. Whether this message will inspire a truce between the Ooni and the Alaafin remains to be seen, but one thing is certain the call for peace has been made, and the eyes of millions are now watching, hoping for resolution and reconciliation.