A brewing storm is threatening to engulf the Yoruba monarchs, as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, faces opposition from prominent Mogajis in Ibadanland over his plans to install Barrister Oluwaseyi Abiodun Tinubu, son of the Nigerian President, as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
The Mogajis, Abas Oloko and Oladosu Ademola Olasomi, have issued a stern warning to the Alaafin, cautioning him against creating enmity and crisis among the Yoruba monarchs. Their warning comes in the wake of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi’s, installation of Chief Engr. Jubril Dotun Sanusi as the Okanlomo Oodua, a title that has sparked concerns of duplication and controversy.
According to sources, the Alaafin had announced plans to install Seyi Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland, a move that has been met with resistance from the Mogajis. They argue that the Ooni’s installation of Chief Sanusi as Okanlomo Oodua takes precedence, and that the Alaafin’s actions could lead to a crisis among the traditional rulers.
The Mogajis cited historical precedent, noting that when the late Ooni of Ife installed Obafemi Awolowo as ‘Odole Oodua’, the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, did not install anyone else as ‘Odole of Yorubaland’. They emphasized that the ‘Odole Oodua’ serves as a unifying figure for the Yoruba people globally, and that Oodua is far superior, covering the global Lukami family in several countries.
The Mogajis have called on President Tinubu to caution his son against causing traditional crisis in Yorubaland, particularly among the monarchs. While they did not object to the Alaafin conferring a title on Barrister Seyi Tinubu, they stressed that it should not be ‘Okanlomo Of Yorubaland’, as it could lead to conflict with the existing Okanlomo Oodua title.
The controversy has raised questions about the hierarchy and protocol among the Yoruba monarchs, and the potential implications for the traditional institution. As the situation unfolds, Mogaji Abas Oloko and Mogaji Oladosu Ademola Olasomi are urging calm and restraint, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation among the traditional rulers.
The Ooni of Ife’s installation of Chief Sanusi as Okanlomo Oodua had been attended by dignitaries, business moguls, and monarchs, and was seen as a significant event in the celebration of Yoruba culture and heritage.
The Alaafin’s plans to install Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland have sparked concerns of nepotism and favoritism, with some questioning the motivations behind the move.
In a related development, stakeholders are calling for a meeting of the Yoruba monarchs to address the issue and prevent a full-bl blown crisis. The outcome of the situation is uncertain, but what is clear is the traditional institution is facing a major test of its unity and stability.
As the controversy continues to simmer, the eyes of the nation are on the Yoruba monarchs, awaiting their next move. Will they put aside their differences and work towards unity, or will the crisis escalate into a full-blown conflict? Only time will tell.
The Mogajis’ warning has sent shockwaves through the traditional institution, and the Alaafin’s response is being eagerly awaited. Will he heed the warning, or will he proceed with his plans to install Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland? The fate of the Yoruba monarchs hangs in the balance.
