LAGOS, Nigeria — Renowned servant of God, Primate Elijah
Babatunde Ayodele, has waded into the fresh supremacy crisis between the Ooni
of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade,
appealing for peace and reconciliation among the two revered monarchs.
The dispute erupted after the Alaafin reportedly issued a
48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni, demanding the reversal of a chieftaincy title
recently conferred on prominent Ibadan businessman, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, warning
of “consequences” should the Ooni ignore the directive.
In a statement released Tuesday morning, Primate Ayodele
described both monarchs as “fathers, symbols, and living representations of the
glory of Yoruba history,” stressing that unity between them is vital for the
peace of Yorubaland.
“Some time ago, I released a prophetic caution concerning
the revered thrones of the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo. I said clearly:
‘They must not allow misunderstanding or rivalry, because it will weaken the
strength of Yoruba land,’” Ayodele said.
He warned that the ongoing rift, if not managed, could
diminish the pride and unity of the Yoruba nation.
“The Ooni and the Alaafin are not ordinary rulers. Their
bond is more than personal, it is spiritual and cultural. When that bond is
threatened, the pride of Yoruba land is threatened,” he added.
Primate Ayodele urged humility, dialogue, and
reconciliation, cautioning both royal fathers to resist divisive influences.
“Sit together, talk together, pray together, and let
brotherhood prevail. This is not the time for rivalry. Nigeria is facing storms
on every side — economic hardship, insecurity, political tension. Yoruba land
must not add to this crisis by allowing her highest thrones to be divided.”
He concluded with a spiritual admonition:
“Thus says the Lord: If unity is pursued, blessing will
flow; if division is allowed, confusion will rise. I pray for both the Ooni of
Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo, may God grant them the grace to forgive, to
reconcile, and to stand as one voice for the betterment of their people.”
Primate Ayodele emphasized that the Yoruba nation is
stronger when its foremost traditional rulers stand together in unity.
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