The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW), represented by President Aare Hassan Oladotun, has criticized the public conflict between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
This clash was described as “a brazen disregard for Yoruba traditions, values, and unity,” prompted by a viral video of an awkward encounter at a public event.
Oladotun commented:
> “It is terrible to see how our Royal Father, the Alaafin of Oyo, is behaving towards the Ooni in public. This is most embarrassing and detrimental to the entire traditional institution in Yorubaland.”
He noted that courtesy still requires the Alaafin to properly greet the Ooni, reinforcing the need for respectful protocols among monarchs.
Oladotun called for mutual respect and unity, suggesting Yoruba monarchs should emulate the harmonious relations seen in Northern and Southeastern traditional leadership.
Issues Highlighted
The Alaafin’s emissaries were accused of making “uncouth and uncomplimentary statements” that aimed to mock the Ooni.
Concerns were raised over a reported assault on Awinkoko Abefe Oro during a visit to Oba Makama Oyelude Tegbosun III, Olowu of Kuta.
Alleged mistreatment of Baba Oba Oyotunji’s family was noted, which the YCW suggested contributed to his death.
Oladotun connected these hostilities to broader challenges in Yorubaland, such as insecurity, poverty, and ethnic tensions, urging unity among both monarchs and governors.
Cultural and Historical Reflections
Oladotun pondered:
> “Is Yoruba culture now wired around colonial validation? We must wake up and reclaim our values. The ongoing disunity is undermining the strength of the Yoruba nation.”
He emphasized the historical roles:
The Alaafin was historically a military garrison head.
Ile‑Ife was never under Oyo’s control; instead, it’s the cradle of Yoruba civilization.
The Ooni is recognized as the spiritual and cultural head of Yorubaland.
Despite internal diversities in Yoruba history, Oladotun reaffirmed a call for unity across the race.
Key affirmation:
“By all standards, the Ooni of Ife remains the spiritual and cultural head of Yorubaland
…respect must be upheld, and unity restored.”
