A former Chairman of Nigerite Ltd., Prof. Yemi Oladimeji, has urged Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to work together to protect the Yoruba race.
In a statement on Monday in Osogbo, Oladimeji also appealed to both traditional rulers “to sheath swords and abandon egoistical interests”.
According to the former chairman, anything short of this will spell doom for the race, which is a leading light not only in Nigeria, but also on the African continent.
“The interest of the Yoruba people should be placed above the fight for superiority between the two revered thrones. I am appealing to our revered royal fathers, the Alaafin and the Ooni, to understand that the survival of the Yoruba race and our age-long traditions, norms and customs largely depend on them.
“They must never compromise this for any narrow interest but prioritise peace and unity. What should be paramount is pushing collectively for more powers for their stools so that the traditional institution can regain its lost glory, potency and authority,” he said.
Oladimeji noted that the two thrones had significant historical influence on the Yoruba race.
He added that resolving the crisis arising from the jostling for supremacy required creative measures beyond historical narratives.
“The Alaafin is addressed as “His Imperial Majesty” because he was the ruler of the old Oyo Empire, the largest, most powerful and most centralised empire ever formed in Yorubaland. The Ooni of Ife is also recognised as the Arole and spiritual head of the Yoruba race, occupying the stool of our revered progenitor, Oduduwa.
“The Ooni holds unmatched spiritual and ancestral authority, while Ile-Ife remains the cradle of the Yoruba people. So, both the Alaafin and the Ooni should provide political and spiritual leadership for the Yoruba race and work in harmony to preserve our heritage and advance our values,” he said.
Oladimeji urged the two traditional rulers to work together for the upliftment of the Yoruba race.
He suggested that the Alaafin should remain the political head while the Ooni retains his spiritual leadership for peace to reign in Yorubaland.
Oladimeji, the former governorship aspirant of the Alliance for Democracy in Osun in 2007, also warned politicians to respect boundaries in matters relating to tradition and culture.
According to him, politicians, especially state governors, should stop interfering in chieftaincy matters and the appointment of traditional rulers.
“Let politicians steer clear of traditional matters. It is strange to see a governor distributing crowns freely like cakes. This conduct is a taboo and it has dire consequences, if not in the short run, then in the long run,” he said.
(NAN)
