The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has stated that there is no rift between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
The monarch stated that he is in contact with the Alaafin and Ooni and that both traditional leaders are not interested in dragging the issue.
He appealed to supporters of the duo to halt media comments fueling the controversy over the alleged installation of businessman Dotun Sanusi as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
In a statement issued by Olugbon in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday, Alao also cautioned Yoruba sons and daughters at home and abroad against emotional outbursts that could drag the revered thrones of the Ooni and the Alaafin into disrepute over what he described as a speculative title conferment on Sanusi.
Olugbon urged restraint, advising that the matter should not be escalated through unnecessary public commentary.
The statement partly read, “The latest controversy over the speculative conferment of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on one of our illustrious sons, Dotun Sanusi, who is the proprietor of Ilaji Resort and Sports Centre, Ibadan, is unnecessary. There is no substance to the issue because it was mere speculation. I am in touch with both the Alaafin and the Ooni, and I can confirm that both traditional rulers are not interested in dragging the issue. They are both for peace and unity. I have said it before that Ooni remains Ooni, and Alaafin remains Alaafin. There is no supremacy battle.
“I, therefore, appeal to all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world to be calm, avoid nursing any pain on the issue, and stop the media comments that are dragging the controversy unnecessarily. Yoruba culture is built around unity, peace, kindness, respect for others, and honour for obas.
“Dragging one another in the media over a speculative issue runs against our moral fabric, honour for the thrones of both obas, and the sense of togetherness that stands us out as a people.
“Even in the face of misunderstanding, which is not abnormal in human relations, caution must not be thrown to the wind. Our culture of respect for monarchs must not be overshadowed by emotion because it is one of the things that stand out in our culture. We should not allow Yoruba monarchs to be debased by social media content creators.
“Obas’ thrones are too sacred to be desecrated by all and sundry. I urge us to keep the sanctity of our thrones, which represent the totality of who we are. Let us continue to uphold the omoluabi ethos in all situations. As obas, we are deep in efforts that will bring development, peace, and unity to Yorubaland. Ile Yoruba a gbe wa o!”
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