Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, to work together to tackle insecurity in Yorubaland and advance development in the South West, rather than engage in disputes over positions.
Igboho said it was unnecessary for the two foremost traditional rulers, whose stools are central to the historical evolution of the Yoruba people, to expend energy on a crisis over leadership positions.
His appeal followed the ongoing tussle over the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs involving the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Laoye Ghandi.
Governor Seyi Makinde had last Thursday inaugurated a new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, with the permanent chairmanship to rotate among the Olubadan, Alaafin, and Soun of Ogbomoso.
The inauguration, held at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan, was boycotted by Oba Owoade, while Oba Ladoja emerged as the inaugural chairman for a two-year term.
Makinde explained that the inauguration followed the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the Oyo State House of Assembly, aimed at strengthening traditional institutions in the state.
The governor said the process was preceded by wide consultations, although Alaafin reportedly denied holding any interface with the governor on the matter.
Reacting, Igboho, in a statement, appealed to Yoruba leaders, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, to help douse the tension arising from the controversy over the council’s permanent chairmanship.
He noted that ancient empires in Yorubaland had evolved into modern traditional institutions without distorting historical realities, and advised Oba Owoade, who is reportedly considering legal action, to cooperate with the Oyo State Government.
Igboho said traditional rulers should prioritise security and unity, particularly in the face of rising insecurity in the South West.
“Why should our royal fathers dissipate energy on positions when bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements have taken over our forests in the South West, considering the recent killings of guards in Old Oyo National Park and other parts of Oyo State?” he asked.
He added that it was critical for traditional rulers, regardless of hierarchy, to close ranks to protect Yoruba territorial integrity, foster unity, and promote sustainable development in the collective interest of the region.
According to him, traditional rulers must remain agents of cohesion, harmony, and economic growth, stressing that disputes over positions were ill-timed when rural communities, especially farmers, continued to suffer violent attacks.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
