An Ogun State monarch, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, against adopting a confrontational posture toward the Oyo State Government over the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Akinyemi advised the Alaafin to refrain from engaging the government through public statements and media releases, warning that such actions could attract consequences under existing laws governing traditional institutions.
The monarch made this known in an open letter made available to journalists on Friday, in which he described the introduction of a rotational chairmanship by Governor Seyi Makinde as neither unusual nor unprecedented, noting that similar arrangements exist in several states across the country.
He expressed concern that the Alaafin publicly challenged the government’s decision shortly after the inauguration of the council, while also disputing claims that he was consulted.
According to Akinyemi, although the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo are widely regarded as foremost traditional authorities within Yorubaland and their stools must be held in the highest esteem, Nigeria no longer operates a system where traditional rulers function as heads of government.
“As a traditional ruler with over two decades of experience, I consider the reaction of the Alaafin as an affront to the Office of the Governor of Oyo State,” the Eselu said.
“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.”
He stressed that rotational leadership of traditional councils is a common practice nationwide, adding that the era when the Alaafin of Oyo could claim permanent chairmanship of the state council had passed.
“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 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,” he said.
Akinyemi further warned that state governments possess constitutional powers to install or depose traditional rulers found guilty of disobedience or insubordination, urging the Alaafin to “sheath his sword” in order to safeguard the revered Oyo stool.
He also cautioned the Alaafin against advisers who encourage confrontation with the state government, describing such counsel as harmful.
“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 him to succeed and enjoy a peaceful reign,” the Eselu added.
Governor Makinde had earlier stated that he consulted the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso before inaugurating the council, adding that the monarchs supported the appointment of former governor Rashidi Ladoja as the pioneer chairman.
However, the Alaafin, who was absent from the inauguration ceremony, subsequently issued a statement denying that he was consulted on the decision to rotate the chairmanship among the three foremost traditional rulers in the state.
