Williams Kayode
The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has appealed to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to end their rift and work together in the spirit of unity for the progress of Yorubaland.
The call came on Wednesday in a statement issued by ICIR President, Fayemi Fakayode, in Ibadan, Oyo State. He urged the monarchs to sheath their swords over the recent seniority dispute, stressing that reconciliation would strengthen cultural preservation and accelerate regional development.
The disagreement between the two foremost Yoruba monarchs began on Monday after Oba Owoade faulted the Ooni’s decision to bestow the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi at the unveiling of 2geda, an indigenous social media platform, held at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan, over the weekend.
“As we mark this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣè festival, we extend warm felicitations to our revered rulers. We pray they are blessed with good health and long life,” Fakayode stated. He commended monarchs who have stood firm in preserving Yoruba traditions and urged others to reconnect with their cultural roots rather than be swayed by foreign influences.
“To propel our land towards development, progress, and unity, we enjoin our traditional rulers to foster collaboration and mutual understanding,” he continued. “Our special appeal goes to Their Imperial Majesties, Oba Ogunwusi, the Oonirisa, and Oba Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, to continue their noble endeavours in harmony for the betterment of our people.”
The ICIR President concluded with a firm plea: “On behalf of the council, I call on both monarchs to sheath their swords over the ongoing contest of seniority. We are pleading for harmony, which we believe would fast-track development in the Yoruba kingdom.”
The Journal Nigeria notes that beyond the question of royal seniority, the call highlights a deeper concern: the need for unity among traditional institutions as custodians of heritage, peace, and progress in a rapidly changing society.