Yoruba Leaders Urge Governors to Step In Amid Alaafin–Ooni Tensions

By Diafa Doubra,

Concerned elders and cultural custodians under the umbrella of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought (Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba) have appealed for peace amid a brewing rift between two of the Southwest’s most revered traditional rulers, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

In a statement issued Monday in Ado-Ekiti by Bayo Aina, national secretary speaking on behalf of Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, the group urged Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo State) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun State) to step into the fray, assist in calming tempers, and halt any further inflammatory remarks that could escalate tensions.

The leaders expressed deep dismay over how “centuries-old accounts” are being unearthed and manipulated to either criticize or glorify one side actions they believe are harming the unity and pride of Yoruba people both locally and in the diaspora. Instead of inspiring solidarity, these narratives are being weaponized to stoke division.

They also noted that this dispute comes at a crucial moment when unity is needed to rally behind President Bola Tinubu. The group called for a regional ceasefire, asking both monarchs to refrain from making further remarks, while urging the Southwest Council of Obas to establish or more actively use protocols capable of quelling such chieftaincy conflicts before they spiral out of control.