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Tag: Alaafin

  • FASON leaders pay homage to Olubadan, Alaafin

    FASON leaders pay homage to Olubadan, Alaafin

    Leaders of the Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organizations in Nigeria (FASON) on Sunday paid royal homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.

    The delegation, led by FASON National Amir Sheikh Tajudeen Abdul Kareem Al Adabiyy, included the West Africa President of JIBWIS Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, National Vice President of the Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria Sheikh Isa Solahudeen Akindele, and other prominent Islamic scholars.

    They were joined by traditional rulers such as Oba Abdul Azeez Olatubosun Adebanji, the Akire of Ikire Ile, and Oba Qazeem Ilufemiloye I, the Olowu of Owu Ile, alongside academics including Professor Mutiullah Olasupo of the University of Abuja.

    Sheikh Al Adabiyy said the visit was to offer prayers for the monarchs’ long life and successful reigns. Akindele, in his remarks, also appealed to the Olubadan to help curb land-grabbing challenges in Ibadanland.

     “We pray to Almighty God to grant you a long time and good health. We pray to God to give you the wisdom to direct the affairs successfully.

    He said, “God will allow you to implement the good visions you have for this city and Nigeria in general. Many things that are not good are happening in the city, such as land grabbing. You have said that you will tackle these problems, God will give you the wisdom to do it”.

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    During the visit to the Alaafin, Sheik Al Adabiyy informed that the visit became necessary to pray for the traditional rulers.

    While in Oyo, the group was received by the Khadeemul Musleemuun of Oyo Kingdom, Sheikh Daud Tijani Igi Ogun, and Aare Musulumi of Oyo, Alhaji Kamarise, in a brief but colourful reception at the JIBWIS group of school, a multilingual event anchored by Sheikh Tajudeen Imam of Prince and Princess Central Mosque, Abuja.

    Sheik Al Adabiyy, while speaking, said, “We have come from different parts of the country; we have people who came from Abuja and other parts of the country here. The purpose of the visits is to pray for you for a long life and a successful reign

    “We are here to greet you, we are here to pray for you. We have been doing it when you were not there, we are now doing it in your presence. What we want is for God to grant you a long life”.

    The Olubadan and the Alaafin, in their separate remarks, said that they were happy to receive the leaders of the Islamic organisation.

    They thanked the organisation for the visit.

    They urged them to continue in their prayers to promote peaceful coexistence in the country.

  • Alaafin urges religious leaders to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence

    Alaafin urges religious leaders to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has called on religious leaders across Nigeria to preach and promote ethno-religious tolerance while accommodating opposing views as part of efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence in the country.

    The monarch made the appeal while hosting the National Chairman of JIBWIS Society, Sheikh Abdullahi Balalau, during a courtesy visit.

    Oba Owoade condemned the instigation of hatred in the guise of religious practice, describing it as a negative trend. He urged clerics to embrace the gospel of friendship, love, and sincerity, which he described as “the vehicle that will take mankind to the abode of peace and security.”

    He further stressed that accepting the message of salvation is a voluntary and personal choice, noting that those who seek to spread the knowledge of God must do so without resorting to violence.

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    He said, “Neither the Quran nor the Bible encourages the deployment of coercion or violence as a means of evangelising unbelievers. Killing in the name of religion does not bring glory to God. It is against His command and will never receive His blessing. What God wants us to extend to unbelievers is love and the message of full and free salvation, and not bodily harm or death. Nigerians also have a duty to work for all that promotes peace and harmonious living. Religion need not be the leading cause of death.

    “In a country as diverse and populous as Nigeria, where over 200 million citizens adhere to a tapestry of faiths, Islam, Christianity, and African traditional religions, religion is not just a private matter but a potent force shaping national identity, politics, culture, and even the economy.”

    Oba Owoade, who extolled the virtue of Dr. Balalau as a religious leader who is unflinching in his commitment to peace through preaching and teaching across the country and beyond, described him as “deeply pious”.

    “I have heard a lot about you, especially your preaching for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. I personally witnessed one of your preaching at the wedding ceremony of a serving Senator in Kaduna. It was interesting and laudable.”

    While appreciating the visit, Alaafin pledged his support and cooperation to the JIBWIS leader for the unity, peace, and progress of the country.

    Earlier in his address, Dr. Balalau, who was accompanied by other members of the National Executive Committee, amid a large crowd of followers, said he was elated to meet with the Alaafin.

    He said, “I am indeed glad and count myself very lucky to be with the monarch whose reign is uniquely divine. Moving closer to him is a gift of blessings and good fortune. He (Alaafin) is absolutely endowed by Allah (God).”‘

    Dr. Balalau advised the Alaafin to always put his demands before God, including divine wisdom and knowledge, adding that whatever he requests will be granted by God.

    While noting that leadership is a trust and that people can only obey the paramount ruler for his passion, honesty, and sincerity of purpose, the renowned Islamic scholar advised the monarch to continue to show mercy to the people and rule with justice.

    Dr. Balalau, who expressed heartfelt appreciation for the honour accorded him by the Alaafin, whom he referred to as ‘’a very great monarch, prayed for good health, divine protection, and long life for Oba Owoade, as well as unity, peace, and prosperity for the ancient town, the state, and the country as a whole.

  • Olubadan: Alaafin, Soun, Oluwo, Onpetu, Olugbo, others await Tinubu’s arrival

    Olubadan: Alaafin, Soun, Oluwo, Onpetu, Olugbo, others await Tinubu’s arrival

    …as Ladoja ends traditional rites at Osemeji

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi; Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Akinruntan, and other prominent traditional rulers are at Mapo Hall, awaiting President Bola Tinubu for the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

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    Oba Ladoja earlier completed the necessary traditional rites at the Osemeji shrine, Oja’ba, under the supervision of the Abore of Ibadanland.

    Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde has led a delegation—including Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, alongside federal and state lawmakers—to Ladoke Akintola International Airport to receive President Tinubu.

  • Chief Imam has not been appointed for Oyo, says Alaafin

    Chief Imam has not been appointed for Oyo, says Alaafin

    The palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has denied the selection of a new Chief Imam for the ancient town.

    Calling on people, particularly the Muslim faithful, to remain calm and disregard such insinuations, the palace said selection of a new Chief Imam of Oyo was undergoing due process and wider consultations with the Alaafin.

    In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch urged the people to remain calm and peaceful, assuring them that the rightful choice would be made in due course.

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    The statement said: “The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to wild speculations milling round that a new Chief Imam has been appointed for Oyo.

    “The good people of Oyo and the public are advised to disregard such unfounded, baseless and wicked information, as no candidate has been chosen for the number one Islamic seat in Oyo town.

    “The selection of a new Chief Imam of Oyo is undergoing due process and wider consultations and the Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom has urged the people to remain peaceful, as the rightful choice will be made in due course.

    “It should also be noted that only His Imperial Majesty has the exclusive preserve to appoint a new Chief Imam for the town.”

  • Alaafin’s palace denies appointment of new Chief Imam in Oyo

    Alaafin’s palace denies appointment of new Chief Imam in Oyo

    The palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has dismissed reports claiming the appointment of a new Chief Imam for the ancient town.

    In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, the palace urged the Muslim faithful and residents to remain calm, stressing that the selection process is still ongoing and involves wider consultations.

    “The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to wild speculations milling round that a new Chief Imam has been appointed for Oyo. The good people of Oyo and members of the public are advised to disregard such unfounded, baseless and wicked information, as no candidate has been chosen for the number one Islamic seat in Oyo town,” the statement read.

    Read Also: Ladoja blames supporters of Ooni, Alaafin for  supremacy feud

    It further emphasised that only His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, has the exclusive authority to appoint a new Chief Imam, assuring that the rightful choice will be made in due course.

  • Group urges Ooni, Alaafin to sheathe swords

    Group urges Ooni, Alaafin to sheathe swords

    Yoruba Leaders of Thought (Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba) has appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to end the schism, the fallout of which has taken over the airwaves, print media and internet in the past few days.

    In a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, by the National Secretary, Bayo Aina, on behalf of the National Leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the group noted with pain the damage the current distraction characterised by the digging up of centuries old accounts to ridicule or lionise one party or the other, was causing the Yoruba globally. 

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    The statement said: ‘’Rather than using such narratives for the purpose of forging unity and a sense of pride among our people, narratives that can help us in fulfilling our manifest destiny as a leading group among the black race, historical narratives have been weaponised into a tool to promote discord and resentment.

    ‘’We are distraught that at a time when every hand should be on deck to support and ensure unquestionable success of one of the most illustrious Yoruba leaders and sons, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, some of our foremost leaders at various levels are more or less fuelling this fire, which appeared to have started from Ile Osanyin as it were.

  • Why Alaafin needs no supremacy battle with anyone, by aide

    Why Alaafin needs no supremacy battle with anyone, by aide

    The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, has said his principal needs not engage in any form of supremacy battle with any king, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe.

    Tracing historical instances which established the Alaafin as the supreme among other traditional rulers, Durojaiye said even the British colonial government in their tradition recognised lineage as meaningful supremacy and legitimacy, preferring to sign the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation.

    In a statement issued yesterday, he said the Alaafin as a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition had always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects and would never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot of porridge.

    He said: “These immortal words of Alexander Graham Bell – ‘The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady accretion. It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider – and progressively better able to grasp any theme or situation -persevering in what he knows to be practical and concentrating his thought upon it, who is bound to succeed in thegreatest degree’, sum up the life voyage of Alaafin Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, an indomitable monarch with an unequalled passion for the great good of all.

    “He is a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, and has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects and will never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot of porridge.

    “The history has been so kind and friendly to Alaafin Owoade publicly since he ascended the throne of his forefathers, as he does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any monarch, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe.

    “Oba Owoade combines humility with royalty to meet the modern day demands. Kabiyesi (the king who no one questions). Iku Baba Yeye (The one who commands death/He who is parent to death). Alashe (He who wields Authority). Ekeji Orisha (Second-in-command to the gods).

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    “The Alaafin was inducted into the mysteries of various gods like Ifa, Sango, etc, to be the direct representative of these deities on earth. At the hallowed ground of Yoruba ancient shrine, as Oba Owoade made a covenant with illustrious Yoruba ancestors that he would defend, protect and add glamour to the Yoruba norms and tradition.

    “Oduduwa’s Principal Minister and grandson, Oranmiyan, (Because Oduduwa begot Okanbi, (an only child and Okanbi begot Oranmiyan among others, namely Ila-Orangun, Oni-Sabe, Olu-Popo, Ala-Ketu, Oba-Benin), founded the city of Oyo when prolonged drought struck Ile-Ife as a result of people’s emigration.

    “Oyo simply rose to prominence through wealth gained from trade and its military skills. It was the largest West Africa empire, the most important and authoritative of all the early Yoruba principalities.

    “More so, the British as it was in their tradition recognised lineage as meaningful supremacy and legitimacy, preferring to sign the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation.

    “Alaafin relies heavily on the will and wishes of his subjects. In politics also, he is concerned about the sanctity of his position, and whatever happens on the welfare of his people.

    “Customs and all traditional practices of today in government, religion and economic life have had distance, and possibly age-long origins, which were based on valid and accepted tenets that emerged from the synthesis and aggregated experience of a particular society.

    “One of such societies is the ancient city of Oyo, reputed for cultural resources that are of rich non-material and material attributes and transmitted through generations. Among them are festivals, diet, building of historical and architectural interest and an ancient city walls that have been declared monuments by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

    “Others are ethnographic assets, which include war dresses, traditional and royal crafts, leather works, calabash decorations, pottery, wood carving and production of traditional drums (dundun and sekere).

    “Moreover, the precepts and concepts of Alaafin’s administration have continued to support and nurture the people’s ancient culture, and sophisticated civilisation from time immemorial. 

    he basic concept of government was monarchy with a rigid adherence to monolithic Oduduwa dynasty and of the paternal line.

    “The Alaafin, Iku Baba Yeye (Death, the almighty, ruler and companion of the goods) is the title of the monarch. Even with the divine attributes, the Alaafin operates a government that is judged by its result.

    “The prosperity, security and the well-being of the people dictated his popularity both in the palace and in the empire at large.”

  • Alaafin needs no supremacy battle with any monarch, says media director

    Alaafin needs no supremacy battle with any monarch, says media director

    The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, declared that the Alaafin has no reason to engage in supremacy contests with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or elsewhere.

    Citing historical precedents, Durojaiye emphasized that the Alaafin’s supremacy among traditional rulers was well established, noting that even the British colonial government recognized the Alaafin’s authority by signing the Treaty of Cessation with him as the superior head of the Yoruba nation.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, he described the Alaafin as a steadfast custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, committed to the safety, welfare, and development of his people without compromising values for personal gain.

    Quoting Alexander Graham Bell’s words on perseverance and success, Durojaiye said the life and reign of Alaafin Abimbola Akeem Owoade I reflect the qualities of an indomitable monarch with an enduring passion for the collective good.

    “He is a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, and has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects and will never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot porridge.

    “The history has been so kind and friendly to Alaafin Owoade publicity since he ascended the throne of his forefathers, as he does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe. 

    “Oba Owoade combines humility with royalty to meet the modern day demands. Kabiyesi (the king who no one questions). Iku Baba Yeye (The one who commands death/He who is parent to death). Alashe (He who wields Authority). Ekeji Orisha (Second-in-command to the gods).

    “The Alaafin was inducted into the mysteries of various gods like Ifa, Sango etc to be the direct representative of these deities on earth. At the hallowed ground of Yoruba ancient shrine, as Oba Owoade made a covenant with illustrious Yoruba ancestors that he would defend, protect and add glamour to the Yoruba norms and tradition. 

    “Oduduwa’s Principal Minister and grandson, Oranmiyan, (Because Oduduwa begot Okanbi, (an only child and Okanbi begot Oranmiyan among others namely Ila-Orangun, Oni-Sabe, Olu- Popo, Ala-Ketu, Oba-Benin) founded the city of Oyo when prolonged drought struck Ile-Ife as a result of people’s emigration. 

    “Oyo simply rose to prominence through wealth gained from trade and its military skills. It was the largest West Africa empire, the most important and authoritative of all the early Yoruba principalities.

    “More So, the British as it was in their tradition recognised lineage as meaningful supremacy and legitimacy, preferring to sign the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation.

    “Alaafin relies heavily on the will and wishes of his subjects. In politics also, he is concerned about the sanctity of his position, and whatever happens on the welfare of his people.

    “Customs and all traditional practices of today in government, religion and economic life have had distance, and possibly age-long origins which were based on valid and accepted tenets that emerged from the synthesis and aggregated experience of particular society.

    “One of such societies is the ancient city of Oyo, reputed for cultural resources that are of rich non-material and material attributes and transmitted through generations. Among them are festivals, diet, building of historical and architectural interest and an ancient city walls that have been declared monuments by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments. 

    “Others are ethnographic assets which include war dresses, traditional and royal crafts, leather works, calabash decorations, pottery, wood carving and production of traditional drums (dundun and sekere).

    Read Also: Olugbon to Alaafin, Ooni supporters: sheathe your swords

    “Moreover, the precepts and concepts of Alaafin’s administration have continued to support and nurture the peoples’ ancient culture, and

    sophisticated civilization from time immemorial. The basic concept of government was monarchy with a rigid adherence to monolithic Oduduwa dynasty and of the paternal line. 

    “The Alaafin, Iku Baba Yeye (Death, the almighty, Ruler and companion of the goods) is the title of the monarch. Even with the divine attributes, the Alaafin operates a government that is judged by its result. 

    “The prosperity, security and the well-being. of the people dictated his popularity both in the Palace and in the Empire at large.”

  • Atóbaáse endorses Alaafin’s leadership, calls for Yoruba unity

    Atóbaáse endorses Alaafin’s leadership, calls for Yoruba unity

    The Atóbaáse of Yorubaland, Babajide Agunbiade, has reaffirmed his unwavering support for His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo.

    In an open letter, Agunbiade highlighted the Alaafin’s historical and cultural significance.

    In the letter, he praised the Alaafin’s dedication to preserving Yoruba traditions and maintaining the cultural integrity of the Yoruba monarchy.

    The Atobaase emphasised that the Alaafin’s authority, particularly in the conferral of Yoruba-wide titles, is firmly grounded in history, tradition, and law.

    Reda Also: Olugbon to Alaafin, Ooni supporters: sheathe your swords

    “The issuance of Yoruba-wide titles is a prerogative reserved for the Alaafin, as the Emperor and ruler of the Yoruba people. This position has been reinforced through various judicial pronouncements, culminating in affirmation by the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” Agunbiade stated.

    He highlighted the Alaafin’s pivotal role in Yoruba history, noting the extensive influence of the Oyo Empire, which historically spanned much of Yorubaland, Dahomey, Offa, and parts of Kogi State.

    According to Agunbiade, safeguarding the Alaafin’s authority is crucial not only for the monarchy but also for the cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people.

    Urging unity among Yoruba sons and daughters, Agunbiade encouraged collective efforts to preserve Yoruba heritage and respect traditional structures.

    He also extended words of support to the Alaafin, expressing confidence in his leadership:

    “I wish you strength, courage, and wisdom in this matter. All well-meaning Yoruba sons and daughters stand firmly behind you,” he wrote.

    Agunbiade is a renowned engineer, philanthropist, and cultural advocate committed to the promotion and preservation of Yoruba heritage and traditions.

  • Royal war: Ooni won’t react to Alaafin’s ’empty threat’ – Aide

    Royal war: Ooni won’t react to Alaafin’s ’empty threat’ – Aide

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has said he would not respond to the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, over the conferment of the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title on Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi.

    Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, stated on Tuesday that the monarch would not dignify the ultimatum with an official response, stressing that the matter has been left to the “court of public opinion.”

    In a Facebook post, Olafare wrote, “My Principal has directed me against issuing a Press Release on the empty threat of the Alawada Babasala. We cannot dignify the undignified with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion, as it is already being treated. Let’s rather focus on narratives that unite us rather than those capable of dividing us.”

    Read Also: Alaafin warns Ooni against ultimatum over Okanlomo of Yorubaland title

    The Alaafin of Oyo had earlier described the Ooni’s action as an “affront” and a challenge to his authority, insisting that only the Alaafin holds the exclusive right to bestow titles with jurisdiction over the entire Yorubaland.

    He gave the Ooni a 48-hour deadline to withdraw the title from Sanusi, a demand the Ife monarch has now chosen to ignore.