If you are one of those nursing the fears of an impending supremacy battle between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife, perish the idea.
This is because nothing of such is being feared, the Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, Oba Olushola Alao, has stated.
He was reacting to speculations of a supremacy tussle between the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.
Oba Alao told journalists in a closed door meeting at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo, that both monarchs know better than that.
According to him, the royal majesties understand and hold in high esteem, Yoruba traditional hierarchy and would work to uphold it.
According to him, there is no Alafin versus Ooni supremacy tussle.
“Alaafin will remain the Alaafin of Oyo, and Ooni will remain the Ooni of Ife. So there is no dispute. People may talk, but what matters is unity among traditional rulers for the progress of the Yoruba race,” Olugbon said.
On reason for his visit, he stated: “We share strong historical and cultural ties.
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“From the era of the Oyo empire, the Olugbon, Aresa, and Olukoyi have always seen the Alaafin as a central figure in our traditional structure,” he added
DiAccording to him, the visit was to pay homage and solidarity, hailing the new Alaafin as a leader of wisdom, intellect, and deep cultural understanding.
On the role of traditional rulers in government, he stated:
“There is no way traditional rulers can function effectively without partnering with the government. That collaboration is key to moving the Oyo State Council of Obas—and the state as a whole—forward,” he concluded.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
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