The Traffic

Yoruba Leaders Urge Makinde, Adeleke to Intervene in Alaafin–Ooni Rift

The Yoruba Leaders of Thought, also known as Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba, has called for urgent intervention in the growing tension between two of the region’s most revered monarchs, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.

The rift, which reignited last week after the Alaafin faulted the Ooni’s decision to confer a chieftaincy title on businessman Dotun Sanusi, has sparked concern among Yoruba elders who fear the disagreement could erode the dignity of the traditional institution.

Prince Tajudeen Olusi, National Leader of the group, urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to step in immediately and mediate peace between the royal fathers and their supporters. His appeal, titled “Time to Sheath the Sword,” was circulated on Sunday in Ado Ekiti by the group’s National Secretary, Bayo Aina.

Olusi stressed that the South-West Council of Obas should establish—or activate—a standing committee dedicated to resolving disputes before they escalate into public embarrassment. According to him, such protocols would help preserve the honour and reverence traditionally accorded Yoruba monarchs.

The Yoruba Leaders of Thought expressed dismay that, at a time when unity is needed to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Yoruba leaders are instead being drawn into a feud rooted in historical rivalries. They warned that digging up centuries-old accounts to ridicule or glorify one monarch over another only deepens divisions among the Yoruba at home and abroad.

“Rather than turning our rich history into a weapon for discord, we should use it to inspire unity, pride, and a renewed drive towards technological and developmental progress,” Olusi said. He lamented that some leaders have taken sides in the quarrel, further fuelling resentment instead of championing solutions to the pressing struggles facing Yoruba people in Nigeria.

Despite the tensions, the Yoruba leaders commended President Tinubu for appointing Chief Opeyemi Agbaje as Chairman of the National Pension Commission. They described the role as critical in addressing the scourge of old-age poverty, noting that proper management of pension funds could guarantee a more secure and dignified retirement for millions of Nigerians.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna