The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has urged the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, to avoid adopting a confrontational stance against government directives or engaging the Oyo State Government through public statements in the media.
Akinyemi warned that such actions could attract consequences, noting that it remains within the powers of state governments to install or depose any traditional ruler found guilty of insubordination or disobedience to existing laws.
The monarch said the decision of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to introduce a rotational chairmanship of the state’s Council of Obas was not unusual, stressing that similar arrangements are practised in several other states across the country.
In an open letter made available to journalists on Friday, Akinyemi said it was inappropriate for Owoade to challenge the government’s decision on social media and in newspaper publications just hours after the inauguration of the council, while also claiming that he was not consulted.
He explained that although the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo are widely regarded as the overall heads of the Yoruba race and the sanctity of their stools must be preserved, Nigeria is no longer in an era where traditional rulers serve as heads of government.
“As a traditional ruler with over two decades of experience, I, the Eselu of Iselu, view the reaction of the Alaafin as an affront to the Office of the Governor of Oyo State.
“My candid advice to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, is that he should withdraw the press release and refrain from further comments on the matter in the media so as not to incur the wrath of the Oyo State Government.
“Rotation of the chairmanship of a state’s traditional council occurs in many states across Nigeria, so the action of Governor Seyi Makinde should not be regarded as strange. The truth is that the days of the Oyo Empire, when the Alaafin of Oyo could lay claim to the permanent chairmanship of the State Council of Obas, are gone.
“It is a fact that the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo are the overall heads of the Yoruba race, and all of us must do everything to protect the sanctity of their revered stools. However, we must remember that we are no longer in the era when monarchs were heads of government.
“Specifically, the Alaafin should note that actions such as this can have consequences, because the governor and the Executive Council have the power to install and depose any monarch found guilty of disobedience and insubordination, and nothing will alter such decisions”, the monarch’s statement read.
He urged the Alaafin to “sheath his sword” and avoid actions that could threaten the revered stool of Oyo.
He further warned that those advising the Alaafin to confront the governor did not have his best interests at heart.
“The Alaafin of Oyo should note that anyone encouraging him to confront the governor and rock the boat does not mean well for him.
“As someone who returned from Canada to ascend the throne, I sincerely want you to succeed and enjoy a peaceful reign. Your Imperial Majesty should therefore distance himself from bad advisers,” Akinyemi said.
PUNCH Online reports that Makinde, on Thursday, inaugurated the maiden rotational Oyo State Council of Obas, appointing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as chairman for a two-year term.
Makinde said he consulted the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso before the inauguration, adding that the trio supported Oba Ladoja’s appointment as the pioneer chairman.
The Alaafin, who was absent from the inauguration ceremony, later issued a statement denying that he was consulted on the decision to rotate the chairmanship of the council among the three monarch.
Punch
