Tag: Alaafin

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has affirmed the Yoruba identity of the Itsekiri, describing them as direct descendants of Oduduwa.

The monarch made this declaration at the weekend during a historic visit by high-ranking Warri chiefs and other Itsekiri leaders to his palace in the ancient city of Oyo.

The delegation, led by the Iyasere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Johnson Amatsereuleghe, paid a courtesy call to congratulate the Alaafin on his emergence as the new custodian of one of Yorubaland’s most revered thrones.

The Iyasere conveyed warm greetings from the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and described the visit as a move to strengthen ties between the Itsekiri and their Yoruba kin.

“This is a historic reunion and a deliberate effort to reinforce the bridge of solidarity between the Itsekiri and Yoruba people. There is no ambiguity about our Yoruba origin. It is evident in our language, culture and oral traditions passed down through generations,” Amatsereuleghe said.

He further said the Itsekiri people, though geographically located in Delta State, shared ancestral, linguistic and cultural roots with the Yoruba and had long endured marginalisation that demanded redress.

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“The Alaafin has come at a critical moment in history. The people are looking up to him to unite all children of Oduduwa and help heal the wounds of the past.”

Oba Owoade warmly welcomed the delegation and affirmed the blood ties between the two ethnic groups. “We are bound by blood. What affects you affects the entire Yoruba people. We share the same ancestry, history, and aspirations. The time has come for unity and collaboration.”

The Alaafin revealed that he gained first-hand insight into Itsekiri culture during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting in Warri.

‘’This experience deepened my understanding of our shared heritage.’’

He pledged to work towards unifying all Yoruba-descended people across Nigeria and in the diaspora.

Among the Warri delegation were personalities, including Chief Robinson Ariyo (Egogo of Warri Kingdom), Chief Roland Oritsejafor (Ogwa of Warri), Chief Omotolubi Newuwumi (Omotamudieyi of Warri), and Prince Benson Onuwaje, CEO of Emirate Logistics – recently named Best Security Company in Nigeria by the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC).

Other dignitaries included Emmanuel Nunu (Secretary, Warri South Local Government), Kingsley Tenumah Afere (Chairman, Warri Indigenous Peoples Movement), Godwin Abigor (former Delta State Director of Protocol), Appearance Afejuku (former Warri North Councillor), and  Dere Jarekpe (Itsekiri Community Leader).

The meeting marks a notable moment in the ongoing efforts to bridge cultural and political gaps between related ethnic groups in Nigeria, especially in the face of historical divisions and marginalisation.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has stated that the harmonisation of norms and values embedded in traditional institutions with the modern system of governance is the only antidote to reducing, if not completely eradicating, the problems of access to justice and conflict resolution in the country.

Oba Owoade gave this advice when he received traditional rulers from the Ibarapa area of Oyo State who paid him a courtesy visit.

A release signed by the director of media and publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, quoted the Paramount Ruler as saying that it is imperative because socio-cultural norms embedded in traditional institutions have remained an integral part of the people.

The Alaafin, who declared that his good plans for the people of the ancient town of Oyo and Yorubaland remain unshaken, noted that apart from being a powerful human tool for survival, defined cultural norms and values also form the basis of the existence of every civilized society, as they bring order, which in turn makes the society devoid of any state of lawlessness.

The Alaafin stated that he is not just a traditional ruler but also a key figure who should serve as a bridge between traditional institutions and modern governance.

He said, “The Alaafin stool is a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s most powerful empires.

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“The Oyo Empire was once the political and military stronghold of the Yoruba people, renowned for its administrative sophistication, military prowess, and cultural influence.

“The Alaafin, as the paramount ruler, has always been the custodian of its traditions, the unifying force of the Yoruba people, and a bridge between the past and the future.”

Oba Owoade, who solicited the same support accorded to his predecessor, late Oba Lamidi Oayiwola Adeyemi III, assured the Ibarapa monarchs of following in his indelible traits.

Earlier in his address, the Olu of Igbo-Ora Land, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, who led other Ibarapa monarch’s on courtesy visit said, “As the Alaafin assumed the sacred responsibility, we are confident that your wisdom, leadership, and dedication will further strengthen the unity and progress of Oyo Kingdom, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

“You are on the threshold of history as the successor to Oba Adeyemi III, one of the most influential and longest-reigning monarchs in Yoruba history”.

…seeks installation of CCTV cameras along Fiditi-Oyo road

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has praised the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, describing him as a man driven by objectivity, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of truth.

In a statement issued by the monarch’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the governor at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan over the weekend.

Oba Owoade, who was accompanied by his wife, Ayaba Abiwunmi, commended Governor Makinde for his openness to dialogue and willingness to embrace superior arguments backed by logic and evidence, even while staying true to his core principles.

He noted, “Governor Makinde is deeply passionate. He believes strongly in the causes he champions and remains committed to the emancipation and well-being of his people.”

The monarch also lauded Makinde’s unwavering commitment to the progress of the state, applauding his leadership and people-focused governance.

He further pledged to continue building trust among the citizens by showing genuine concern for their welfare, recognising their strengths, and addressing their challenges and aspirations.

Alaafin said, “I will not only ensure open and transparent communication, but also prioritise clear, honest, and consistent communication with the people. This open communication will further cultivate a sense of shared responsibility and trust among the people.

“When leaders genuinely care about their people, they create an environment where trust can flourish, leading to stronger relationships, improved performance, and long-term success”.

The Alaafin, who called for the installation of CCTV cameras between Oyo and Fiditi town, told the governor that CCTV cameras had been installed between Ibadan and Fiditi.

While praying Allah to grant the Governor long life and good health in steering the ship of the state, he enjoined the people of the state to reciprocate the gesture of good governance by the Governor through their unalloyed support and cooperation with his administration.

Responding, Governor Makinde, who received the Paramount ruler with his wife, Tamunominini, said he was glad and had no regret that he ensured due process during the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo.

He maintained that he ensured neutrality throughout the process of selection to prevent bias and ensure a fair and unbiased resolution. He noted that the concept of an impartial decision-maker is integral to fostering public confidence.

He, however, assured the monarch of his determination to ensure a befitting renovation and reconstruction of the Aafin Palace.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has assured that effective peace-building initiatives are crucial to maintaining social cohesion and preventing conflicts, particularly in light of ongoing land disputes between the Oyo and Afijio communities.

The monarch’s remarks came in response to calls from concerned Oyo indigenes urging him to intervene in the longstanding land disagreements between the two communities.

Oba Owoade emphasised that in today’s interconnected world, the importance of fostering peace and harmony within communities cannot be overstated. 

He acknowledged that the diversity of cultures, beliefs, and values coexisting in the region necessitates continuous peace-building efforts, which, he stressed, go beyond mere conflict resolution.

He questioned why two neighboring communities, which have coexisted within the same metropolis for decades, would engage in disputes over land, rather than collaborating for the common good.

In a statement issued by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch said, “Peace-building is a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of discord and fosters a culture of trust and collaboration. It involves engaging individuals and groups at all levels to create sustainable peace through dialogue, education, and empowerment.”

“Why must interwoven communities that had been in existence for decades and within the same metropolis, Oyo, be at daggers drawn with themselves over land matters, rather than working harmoniously for common goals? 

“We must remember that a house divided against itself cannot stand, just as in unity lies the strength. United and harmonious we stand, but divided we fall. There must be a ceasefire, as enough is enough. We can’t continue to shed our blood and live in perpetual acrimony. There must be a lasting peace”.

Oba Owoade hinted that he would meet with critical stakeholders and opinion leaders on the matter, after which he would embark on education and awareness programmes that promote understanding, and create safe spaces for open dialogue and reconciliations among communities concerned. 

These components, he added, are instrumental in laying the groundwork for lasting peace and which can significantly contribute to community harmony.

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The monarch added that, “Open and honest communication is essential for building trust and understanding among concerned community members. 

“By creating platforms for dialogue, individuals can express their views and collaborate on solutions that benefit the entire metropolis.

“Let there be peace in every community. With God our creator, we are family. Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony. I urge everyone to let peace begin from his or her doorstep. Let this be the moment now. With every step we take, let this be our solemn vow.”

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade has urged religious leaders in the country to promote religious tolerance by keeping their sermons moderate.

The monarch also urged Nigerians not to perceive religious diversity as a barrier to human relations and development, but rather as a tool or resource for national development.

A statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, quoted the monarch as speaking at the Special Jumat and Thanksgiving service held at the Central Mosque in Oyo town.

The service was part of the activities of the Local Organising Committee for the coronation ceremony.

Speaking at the Central Mosque, Alaafin Owoade said, “Whereas every religious group has the right to uninhibited religious practice, as this must be done with commensurate or reciprocal respect for the rights of other faithful to practice their religious traditions, provided that such does not constitute any derogation to the right of others to observe their rituals.

”This desirable scenario of religious harmony can be achieved in Nigeria only through the establishment and sustenance of a neo-religious educational praxis that would generate a culture and orientation of multi-religiosity in our children and youths, as well as a commensurate programme of re-orientation of the adult population.”