Alaafin of Oyo
The Media and Publicity Office of the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaye, has denied allegations linking Oba Abimbola Owoade to the sudden death of a Yoruba traditional ruler based in the United States, Chief Lukman Ojora Arounfale.
The deceased, popularly known as the Baba Oba of Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, reportedly died after an alleged assault said to have been allegedly ordered during a visit to the Alaafin’s palace.
The purported assault has been speculatively tied to a reported rift between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over issues of royal supremacy.
But speaking to The PUNCH on Tuesday, the palace spokesman, Durojaye, denied any link between Arounfale’s death and the Alaafin
Durojaye said, “The palace, through me, had issued a rebuttal to the media on the unconfirmed story, and it was widely circulated, including by electronic media. The palace was not responsible for his death.”
In an earlier statement, Durojaye expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt by bloggers and online commentators to stoke unnecessary controversy regarding the interaction between the Alaafin and the Ooni at a recent public event.
“It has come to the attention of the media office of the Alaafin of Oyo that certain bloggers and online commentators are generating needless controversies surrounding the interaction between our revered monarchs in Yorubaland—namely, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife—at a recent public function,” he said.
“This latest installment in a series of manufactured debates is an unhelpful distraction from the truly pressing issues that sons and daughters of Yorubaland should be focused on.
“At a time when our people face significant socio-economic and security challenges, it is incumbent on all—leaders, youths, traditional institutions, and citizens alike—to rise above pettiness and prioritise the work of uplifting our communities.
“The welfare of our people, the protection of lives and property, the empowerment of our youth, and the revitalisation of traditional values for development are the matters that truly deserve our attention.”
Durojaye further noted that the Alaafin remained committed to these priorities, emphasising the monarch’s belief in collaboration among traditional institutions as a vital pillar for the stability and advancement of Yorubaland.
“The Alaafin holds the Ooni of Ife and all custodians of Yoruba heritage in high regard and is deeply committed to working hand-in-hand with them to chart a new path of unity, justice, and sustainable development across our land,” he said.
“Our forebears understood the weight of royal responsibility and the sacred duty to protect, unite, and lead with dignity. Oba Owoade embraces this legacy with humility and honour. He will not be drawn into performative gestures or public spectacles that reduce the gravitas of Yoruba monarchy to fodder for digital sensationalism.”
Durojaye urged the public to reject divisive narratives and instead embrace a vision of Yorubaland where tradition is a catalyst for progress and royal thrones operate not in rivalry but in unity and purposeful cooperation.
*PUNCH *
