Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has appealed to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, to set aside differences and work together to tackle insecurity and promote development in the South West.
Igboho said it was unnecessary for the two foremost Yoruba traditional rulers to expend energy on disputes over leadership positions, stressing that their stools occupy central roles in the historical evolution of the Yoruba people.
His appeal follows the ongoing controversy surrounding the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, involving the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Laoye Ghandi.
Last Thursday, Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated a new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, with the chairmanship to rotate permanently among the Olubadan, Alaafin, and Soun of Ogbomoso. Oba Ladoja emerged as the inaugural chairman for a two-year term, while the Alaafin reportedly boycotted the event.
Governor Makinde said 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, adding that the process was preceded by consultations with stakeholders. However, the Alaafin was reported to have denied holding any meeting with the governor on the issue.
Reacting in a statement, Igboho also called on other prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, to help calm tensions arising from the controversy.
He urged traditional rulers to prioritise unity and security, particularly in view of rising insecurity across the South West, citing recent killings and attacks in parts of Oyo State.
“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?” he asked.
Igboho stressed that traditional rulers must close ranks to protect Yoruba territorial integrity, foster unity, and promote sustainable development, adding that disputes over positions were ill-timed while rural communities, especially farmers, continued to suffer violent attacks.
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