The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has appealed for restraint among supporters of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, following controversy over the alleged conferment of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Oba Alao cautioned against emotional reactions and media exchanges that could undermine the dignity of Yoruba traditional institutions.
The dispute began after the Alaafin faulted the Ooni’s decision to honour Sanusi during the unveiling of an indigenous social networking platform, 2geda, held at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan, last weekend.
Olugbon, however, dismissed the uproar as unnecessary, describing the issue as speculative and lacking substance. He noted that he had personally engaged with both monarchs and confirmed that neither was interested in fueling a supremacy contest.
“The latest controversy is needless. The Ooni remains the Ooni, and the Alaafin remains the Alaafin. There is no supremacy battle,” he said.
The monarch urged Yoruba sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, to desist from fanning the flames of discord, stressing that Yoruba culture is founded on peace, unity, respect, and honour for traditional rulers.
“Even in the face of misunderstandings, caution must prevail. The thrones of our monarchs are too sacred to be dragged into social media debates or reduced to speculation. We must preserve the sanctity of our heritage and continue to uphold the omoluabi ethos,” he added.
Olugbon emphasized that Yoruba monarchs remain committed to fostering peace, development, and unity in Yorubaland.
