The International Council for Ifa Religion, ICIR, on Wednesday, called on both the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to sheath their swords over the ongoing supremacy contest.
The council, in a statement by its President, Fayemi Fakayode, in Ibadan, also pleaded for harmony, which ICIR believed would fast-track development in the Yoruba kingdom.
The PUNCH reports that the crisis between the Alaafin and Ooni began on Monday after the former faulted the Ooni’s decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a businessman, Dotun Sanusi, during the unveiling of 2geda, an indigenous social media network at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan, at the weekend.
“As we mark this year’s Ìsẹ̀ṣe festival, we extend our warmest felicitations to our revered traditional rulers. May they be endowed with robust health and longevity.
“We express our deepest gratitude to those monarchs who have remained unwavering custodians of our cultural traditions and respectfully advise those who have embraced foreign cultures to reconnect with their heritage.
“To propel our land towards development, progress, and unity, we enjoin our traditional rulers to foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding. Our special appeal goes to Imperial Majesties Alayeluwa Ọba Ogunwusi, the Oonirisa, and Alayeluwa Oba Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, to continue their noble endeavours in harmony for the betterment of our people.
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“Let me, on behalf of ICIR, call on both Oba Ogunwusi and Oba Owoade to sheath their swords over the ongoing seniority contest between the duo. We are also pleading for harmony, which we believe would fast-track development in the Yoruba kingdom,” Fakayode pleaded.
Meanwhile, the Yoruba Council Worldwide, YCW, an umbrella body for Yoruba indigenous people, has called for peace between two revered pillars of its heritage, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Charles Adeyemi, on Wednesday in Osogbo, the group described both traditional rulers as sacred custodians of the Yoruba history, dignity, and culture.
It said YCW strongly believed that this moment demanded calm reflection and unity rather than division, which was not in the best interest of the Yoruba race.
YCW called on respected Yoruba elders, statesmen, and cultural custodians to mediate constructively and help bring about a lasting peace that honours the dignity of both royal stools.
“We appeal directly to Yoruba sons and daughters, especially the vibrant voices, to let us refrain from speaking ill of our monarchs, especially on social media.
“Instead, let us be advocates of peace, understanding, and reconciliation.
“Our words carry weight, and in times of tension, they should be used to build bridges, not walls,” it said.
According to the group, the Alaafin and Ooni represent eternal symbols of the Yoruba civilisation.
“Their strength and unity are not only crucial for cultural preservation but also for the collective dignity of the Yoruba nation before the world.
“While we await the convocation of the Yoruba Obas Conference in order to allow for a peace pact in Yoruba land, we call on both parties to embrace peace.
“YCW, under the indefatigable hardworking leadership of our Global President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, unity, and cultural pride among all Yoruba people,” said the group.
It, however, said that through respect, patience, and wisdom, such matters could be resolved peacefully for the benefit of generations to come. (NAN)
