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Tag: Oba Francis Alao

  • Olugbon to Alaafin, Ooni supporters: sheathe your swords

    Olugbon to Alaafin, Ooni supporters: sheathe your swords

    The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has called on supporters of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade to halt the ongoing media comments fueling the controversy over presumed installation of Chief Dotun Sanusi as Okanlomo of Yoruba land. 

    The foremost monarch also cautioned all Yoruba sons and daughters across the world to avoid emotional outburst that drags the throne of the Ooni and Alaafin in the mud over what he described as speculative title conferment on Chief Sanusi.

    Oba Alao in a statement on Wednesday sued for calm, saying he had consulted both leading monarchs and confirmed that they were both interested in unity and peace in Yoruba land. 

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    The statement reads in part, “The latest controversy over the speculative conferment of Okanlomo of Yoruba land on one of our illustrious sons Chief Dotun Sanusi, who is the proprietor of Ilaji Resort and Sports Centre, Ibadan, is unnecessary. 

    “There is no substance in the issue because it was a mere speculation. I am in touch with both Alaafin and 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 fabrics, honour for the thrones of both obas, and the sense of togetherness that stand 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 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 Yoruba land. Ile Yoruba a gbe wa o!”

  • Court strikes out case, affirms Oba Alao as Olugbon of Orile-Igbon

    Court strikes out case, affirms Oba Alao as Olugbon of Orile-Igbon

    An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan yesterday struck out a case instituted to challenge the selection and appointment of Oba Francis Alao as the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon.

    The claimants, Mr. Akintayo Akintola, Mrs Olu Oyelade, Mrs Ladiran Olaniyi, Dr. Mrs Olajoke Bolade and Akinwale Akintola had in a suit filed at the court in 2017 challenging the enthronement of the monarch as Olugbon of Orile-Igbon.

    The claimants in a nine-paragraph affidavit against Governor Seyi Makinde, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olugbon of Orile-Igbon Oba Alao and others sought orders setting aside the letter of approval issued by the 1st defendant and/or appointment of the 6th defendant as Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, pursuant to the 7th defendant unilateral selection and/or nomination without the claimants’ section of the Akinbola family.

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    They also sought an order directing that the meeting of the five sections that made Akinbola family for the selection and/or nomination of candidate for Olugbon of Orile-Igbon Chieftaincy be converted forthwith with a view to presenting a candidate for the appointment and/or approval by the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants as the new Olugbon of Orile-Igbon.

    In addition, they sought an order for perpetual injunction restraining the defendants either themselves, their agents, servants and/or privies from recognising, appointing, approving, installing, dealing with or doing anything with the defendants as the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon.

    Having listened to the arguments of the counsel for the claimants and defendants, Justice K. A. Adedokun struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

  • Afonja’s death a huge loss, says Olugbon

    Afonja’s death a huge loss, says Olugbon

    The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has described the death of a former chairman of First Bank PLC Prince Ajibola Afonja as a huge loss to Nigeria.

    Afonja, who was also a former Minister of Labour and productivity, died on Monday at 82.

    A statement by the monarch said he had a close relationship with the deceased, stressing that he was a man full of bright ideas and passionate about Nigeria’s development.

    The statement reads: “I received the news of the demise of Prince Ajibola Afonja with shock.

    “A close associate and a man who distinguished himself as a patriotic indigene of Oyo State and citizen of Nigeria, Prince Afonja was a man of great character, an astute business man, and a leader with great passion for the growth of the country.

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    “We used to share thoughts on issues affecting our dear country and Oyo State in particular. He always came up with novel ideas that could help transform how bigger and better impacts can be made through improved processes.  His ideas confirmed his genuine love for Nigeria.

    “I remember our last discussion which was based on his project on revenue generation for Nigeria Customs Service. He opined that there were better ways the Service could improve revenue generation.

    “Prince Afonja believed in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

    “We also spoke about how Governor Seyi Makinde’s style is improving the lot of Oyo State.

    “I’ve known him for close to 30 years now, and he has remained the same credible, dependable and creative leader whose passion for Nigeria is second to none.

    “His death is a huge loss to Nigeria and Oyo State.

    “I will forever remember his ideology, advice and good thoughts for Oyo State and Nigeria.

    I pray God to comfort his family, the government and good people of Oyo State.”