Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to work together to tackle insecurity in the South West and promote regional development.
Igboho made the appeal amid the ongoing disagreement over the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas between the two monarchs.
His call also came as the Egbe Omo Oyo Niiwa Nitooto reiterated that the historical primacy of the Alaafin of Oyo within the Council of Obas is rooted in history and tradition and should not be subject to political negotiations.
The dispute followed the decision of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to appoint Oba Ladoja as the new chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs. Under the new arrangement, the chairmanship of the council is expected to rotate among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomoso.
In a statement aimed at easing tensions, Igboho described the controversy as unfortunate, noting that the traditional stools involved are central to the historical evolution of the Yoruba people.
He urged the monarchs to focus their attention on pressing security challenges facing the region, including banditry and attacks on rural communities, rather than engaging in disputes over leadership positions.
Igboho also appealed to 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 intervene and help resolve the crisis surrounding the leadership of the Oyo State Council of Obas.
According to him, the transition from ancient empires to modern traditional institutions should not undermine historical facts or threaten unity within Yorubaland.
He stressed that traditional rulers, regardless of hierarchy, must unite to safeguard the region’s territorial integrity, foster peace, and support economic development, especially at a time when insecurity continues to affect farmers and rural dwellers across the South West.
Igboho emphasized that traditional institutions should remain symbols of unity, harmony, and progress in the collective interest of the region.
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