The Atóbaáse of Yorubaland, Dr. Babajide Agunbiade, has declared help for His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, amid renewed controversies over the Yoruba conventional management construction.
In a strongly worded letter to the Oyo Monarch as seen by LEADERSHIP, Agunbiade counseled the Alaafin’s agency stance towards what he described as “the alleged absurdity perpetrated by the Ooni of Ife,” whereas acknowledging the Ooni’s revered non secular position as custodian of Yoruba non secular heritage. He emphasised, nonetheless, that the historic and political supremacy of the Alaafin of Oyo stays indeniable.
“The issuance of Yoruba-wide titles is a prerogative reserved for the Alaafin, because the Emperor and ruler of the Yoruba folks. This place has been strengthened by varied judicial pronouncements, culminating in affirmation by the Supreme Court docket of Nigeria,” Dr. Agunbiade acknowledged.
He additional famous that the Alaafin’s authority was deeply rooted in historical past, custom, and legislation, citing the huge affect of the Oyo Empire, which traditionally encompassed present-day Yorubaland, Dahomey, Offa, and components of present-day Kogi State.
Calling for solidarity among the many Yoruba folks, Dr. Agunbiade urged the Alaafin to contemplate all needed steps—together with authorized motion—to reaffirm his rightful place because the paramount monarch of Yorubaland.
“This isn’t only a matter of private status but in addition of preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba folks,” he wrote.
Dr. Agunbiade criticized the latest actions of the Ooni of Ife as an “try to undermine the authority and custom of the Alaafin” and appealed to Yoruba little kids to unite in protection of their heritage.
He concluded his letter with a message of encouragement to the Alaafin: “I want you power, braveness, and knowledge on this matter. All well-meaning Yoruba little kids stand firmly behind you.”
Dr. Babajide Agunbiade is the Atóbaáse of Yorubaland, an engineer, philanthropist, and cultural advocate devoted to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba heritage and traditions.
