Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has waded into the controversy generated over the installation of Chief Dotun Sanusi as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland, calling on supporters of the Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife to halt their media war on the issue.
The foremost traditional ruler also cautioned all Yoruba sons and daughters across the world to avoid emotional outbursts that drag the throne of the Ooni and Alaafin in the mud over what he described as speculative title conferment on Chief Sanusi.
Oba Alao, who is the Deputy Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, in a statement on Wednesday sued for calm, saying he had consulted the two prominent traditional rulers and confirmed that they were both interested in unity and peace in Yorubaland.
“The latest controversy over the speculative conferment of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on one of our illustrious sons, Chief Dotun Sanusi, who is the proprietor of Ilaji Resort and Sports Centre, Ibadan, is unnecessary.
“There is no substance in the issue because it was a mere speculation. I am in touch with both Alaafin and Ooni, and I can confirm that both traditional rulers are not interested in dragging the issue.
“They are both for peace and unity. I have said it before that Ooni remains Ooni, and Alaafin remains Alaafin. There is no supremacy battle.
“I, therefore, appeal to all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world to be calm, avoid nursing any pain on the issue and stop the media comments that are dragging the controversy unnecessarily.
Yoruba culture is built around unity, peace, kindness, respect for others and honour for obas.
“Dragging one another in the media over a speculative issue runs against our moral fabrics, honour for the thrones of both obas, and the sense of togetherness that stand us out as a people.
“Even in the face of misunderstanding which is not abnormal in human relations, caution must not be thrown to the wind. Our culture of respect for monarchs must not be overshadowed by emotion because it is one of the things that stand out our culture.
“We should not allow Yoruba monarchs to be debased by social media content creators. Obas’ thrones are too sacred to be desecrated by all and sundry.
“I urge us to keep the sanctity of our thrones which represent the totality of who we are. Let us continue to uphold the omoluabi ethos in all situations.
“As obas, we are deep in efforts that will bring development, peace and unity to Yorubaland.
“Ile Yoruba a gbe wa o!,” the Olugbon stated in the statement.
