The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North local government area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has advised the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, against taking a confrontational approach toward government directives or engaging the Oyo State Government through public statements.
Oba Akinyemi cautioned that such actions could carry consequences, emphasising that state governments have the authority to appoint or remove any traditional ruler found guilty of insubordination or defiance of the law.
The monarch described Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to introduce a rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs as a common practice, noting that similar arrangements exist in many other states across Nigeria.
In an open letter shared with journalists on Friday, Akinyemi criticised the Alaafin for publicly challenging the government’s decision via social media and newspaper publications, especially hours after the inauguration of the council.
He stated, “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.”
Oba Akinyemi further urged the Alaafin to “sheath his sword” and steer clear of actions that could jeopardise the revered stool of Oyo Kingdom. He also warned that advisers pushing the Alaafin toward confrontation may 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,” he added.
LEADERSHIP reports that Governor Makinde had on Thursday inaugurated a new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, appointing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as chairman for a two-year term.
Makinde stated that he consulted the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland about the new rotational chairmanship, and that all the three monarchs supported okayed it.
The Alaafin, who was absent at the inauguration, later issued a statement denying that he was consulted regarding the rotational chairmanship of the Obas council.
