Oba Francis Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon has implored the supporters and subjects of the Oba Adeyeye Ogunwus; the Ooni of Ife and Oba Akeem Owoade; the Alaafin Oyo to refrain from media exchanges fueling the rancor that ensued over the alleged installation of businessman Dotun Sanusi as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
In a statement released to the public on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, the Olugbon warned Yoruba people to desist from exchanges and outbursts that you bring the revered thrones to disrepute over a mere title conferment.
Olugbon urged restraint, advising that the matter should not be escalated through unnecessary public commentary.
The statement partly read: “The latest controversy over the speculative conferment of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on one of our illustrious sons, 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 mere speculation. I am in touch with both the Alaafin and the 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 fabric, honour for the thrones of both obas, and the sense of togetherness that stands 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 in 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 Yorubaland. Ile Yoruba a gbe wa o!”
