IBADAN, NIGERIA — A prominent group of Yoruba elders and leaders, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought (Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba), has issued a passionate appeal to the governors of Oyo and Osun states, Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke, to intervene and resolve the escalating conflict between two of the region’s most revered monarchs: the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The group’s national leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, made the call in a statement, expressing profound distress over the ongoing schism which he says is causing “painful damage” to the global Yoruba community. The appeal comes amidst a simmering feud between the two traditional leaders, with reports indicating a renewed exchange of hostilities over traditional rights and titles.
The conflict, which has a long history, has reportedly escalated in recent weeks, with both palaces and their supporters engaging in a public war of words. The Yoruba leaders lamented that historical narratives, which should be a source of unity, are being “weaponized into a tool to promote discord and resentment.”
“We are distraught that at a time when every hand should be on deck to support and ensure unquestionable success of one of the most illustrious Yoruba leaders and son, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, some of our foremost leaders at various levels are more or less fuelling this [feud],” the group stated.
The plea for gubernatorial intervention highlights the unique political and cultural influence that Makinde and Adeleke hold over the two kingdoms. Given their positions, the Yoruba leaders believe they are best placed to initiate an “immediate ceasefire” and bring the two royal fathers to the negotiation table.
In a move to prevent future crises, the group also urged the South-West Council of Obas to establish a standing committee to mediate and “nip similar schism in the bud” before they tarnish the image and authority of the traditional institution.
As the feud continues to capture public attention, the call for political and cultural leaders to act swiftly and decisively is growing. The hope is that through their intervention, the two monarchs can set aside their differences and foster the unity that is essential for the progress of the Yoruba people.