The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has appealed to supporters of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to stop the media exchanges fueling controversy over the alleged installation of Chief Dotun Sanusi as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
Oba Alao, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, described the matter as unnecessary and speculative, warning against dragging revered Yoruba thrones into public ridicule.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the monarch disclosed that he had spoken with both the Ooni and the Alaafin, and confirmed that neither was interested in supremacy battles but rather in fostering unity and peace across Yorubaland.
“The latest controversy over the speculative conferment of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland on one of our illustrious sons, Chief Dotun Sanusi, is baseless. I am in touch with both Alaafin and Ooni, and I can confirm that they are not interested in dragging this issue. Both traditional rulers are committed to peace and unity,” he said.
He cautioned Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to avoid emotional outbursts and refrain from media commentary that could undermine the dignity of the revered thrones.
“Yoruba culture is built on unity, peace, kindness, respect, and honour for our monarchs. Even when misunderstandings arise, we must not allow emotions to overshadow the sanctity of our culture or permit social media creators to debase our thrones,” Olugbon stated.
He further emphasized that Yoruba monarchs remain focused on efforts to bring about peace, development, and progress in the region, urging everyone to uphold the Omoluabi values that define the Yoruba identity.
“Ile Yoruba a gbe wa o!” he concluded.
