Ogun monarch warns Alaafin of Oyo against public confrontation with Oyo State Government over rotational Council of Obas chairmanship

The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, against publicly confronting the Oyo State Government over policy decisions, warning that such actions could attract serious consequences.

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In an open letter made available to journalists on Friday, Oba Akinyemi advised the Alaafin to avoid adopting a confrontational posture or engaging the government through media statements, noting that state governments retain constitutional powers to install or depose traditional rulers found guilty of insubordination or disobedience to existing laws.

The Eselu described the recent introduction of a rotational chairmanship for the Oyo State Council of Obas by Governor Seyi Makinde as neither unusual nor unprecedented, stressing that similar arrangements are practised in several states across the country.

Oba Akinyemi said it was inappropriate for the Alaafin to challenge the decision through social media and newspaper publications shortly after the council’s inauguration, particularly while claiming that he was not consulted.

He argued that although the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo are widely recognised as spiritual and cultural heads of the Yoruba people, Nigeria has moved beyond an era where traditional rulers function as heads of government.

“As a traditional ruler with over two decades of experience, I view the reaction of the Alaafin as an affront to the Office of the Governor of Oyo State,” Akinyemi stated.

He urged Oba Owoade to withdraw his public statements and refrain from further media engagement on the matter in order to preserve the dignity of the revered stool of Oyo.

The monarch warned that continued confrontation could provoke sanctions, emphasising that governors and state executive councils possess the authority to discipline monarchs deemed guilty of disobedience.

He advised the Alaafin to “sheath his sword” and avoid actions that could threaten the stability of his reign.

Oba Akinyemi further cautioned that advisers encouraging the Alaafin to challenge the governor did not have his best interests at heart, urging him to distance himself from such counsel and pursue a peaceful and successful reign.

The warning follows the inauguration on Thursday of the maiden rotational Oyo State Council of Obas by Governor Makinde, who appointed the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as chairman for a two-year term.

Makinde said the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso were consulted and supported the arrangement.

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However, the Alaafin, who was absent from the inauguration, later issued a statement denying that he was consulted on the decision to rotate the chairmanship among the three monarchs, sparking public debate over the matter.