The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, has called on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to prioritise unity and play leading roles in addressing the growing security and socio-political challenges plaguing the Yoruba region.
Speaking during the conferment of the Atobatele of Ado Ekiti chieftaincy title on the Chairman of the Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the respected monarch decried the wave of divisive sentiments being fanned on social media, particularly those suggesting tension between the Ooni and the Alaafin.
“The Southwest is currently suffering from various challenges, most especially insecurity – something that should engage the attention of traditional rulers and leaders in the subregion,” Oba Adejugbe said during the ceremony held in Ado Ekiti, according to a statement issued by the Palace of the Ewi on Tuesday.
Oba Adejugbe expressed concern over what he described as “a negative narrative being pushed by the social media about the relationship between the two foremost traditional rulers, the Alaafin and the Ooni.”
He added, “It is unfortunate that since the recent ascension of Oba Owoade to the throne of his forefathers, the social media have been trying to push a negative narrative about the relationship between him and the Ooni. I seize this opportunity to appeal to both eminent Obas to handle the matter with tact and wisdom.”
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The Ewi maintained that matters of seniority between the two Yoruba monarchs should not overshadow the pressing needs of the people. He stressed that both traditional leaders possess the education, exposure, and global experience necessary to lead a unifying and solution-driven front for the Southwest.
“As well-educated, well-travelled, experienced global citizens, the Ooni and Alaafin must rise above pettiness; they must be in the vanguard of efforts to tackle the grievous challenges facing the Yoruba race,” he said.
“They must deploy their exposure, worldwide connections and considerable wealth to advance security, peace and social development in the country, particularly in the Southwest.”
The monarch’s appeal comes at a time of heightened concerns over insecurity in Nigeria’s Southwest region, with reports of kidnappings, herder-farmer clashes, and banditry affecting several communities.
Turning attention to the honouree of the day, Oba Adejugbe praised Prince Tajudeen Olusi for his exceptional contributions to community service and public life, particularly in Lagos State.
“The Atobatele title was awarded to Prince Olusi based on his stellar achievements, singular virtues and extraordinary contributions to community development and institutional progress,” the monarch stated.
He further noted that Olusi’s efforts have been evident in the “advancement of education, in community service and cultural development.”
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries from across the Yoruba nation, served as both a celebration of leadership and a clarion call for unity among Yoruba traditional rulers at a time when the region faces complex challenges requiring collaboration and foresight.
