The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has appealed to supporters of the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to halt media comments that are fueling controversy over the presumed installation of Chief Dotun Sanusi as Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
The monarch, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, cautioned Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide against emotional outbursts that drag the revered stools of the Ooni and Alaafin into disrepute over what he described as a speculative chieftaincy title conferment on Sanusi.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Oba Alao said he had consulted with both monarchs and confirmed that they remain committed to peace and unity in Yorubaland.
According to him: “The latest controversy over the speculative conferment of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on one of our illustrious sons, Chief Dotun Sanusi, proprietor of Ilaji Resort and Sports Centre, Ibadan, is unnecessary. There is no substance in the issue because it is mere speculation. I am in touch with both Alaafin and Ooni, and I can confirm that neither of them is interested in dragging the matter. They are both for peace and unity. I have said it before: Ooni remains Ooni, and Alaafin remains Alaafin. There is no supremacy battle.”
He urged Yoruba sons and daughters across the world to be calm and desist from media comments that unnecessarily escalate the matter.
“Yoruba culture is built on unity, peace, kindness, respect for others, and honour for our obas,” he stressed. “Dragging one another in the media over a speculative issue runs against our moral fabric, diminishes the honour of the thrones, and undermines the sense of togetherness that defines us as a people.”
Oba Alao noted that while misunderstandings are not uncommon in human relations, such situations must never erode the cultural respect owed to traditional rulers. He warned against allowing social media content creators to desecrate Yoruba royal institutions.
“Our obas’ thrones are too sacred to be debased by all and sundry. We must preserve their sanctity, as they represent the essence of who we are. Let us continue to uphold the omoluabi ethos in all situations,” he said.
The monarch further emphasized that traditional rulers are focused on efforts that will promote peace, unity, and development in Yorubaland.
“Ile Yoruba a gbe wa o!” he prayed.
