Yoruba Leaders of Thought have urged swift intervention to end the Ooni–Alaafin royal dispute.
The group warned the clash undermines unity and called for stronger conflict-resolution mechanisms.
The Yoruba Leaders of Thought (Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba) has called for an immediate resolution to the recent clash between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.
The disagreement resurfaced last week after the Alaafin criticised the Ooni for bestowing a traditional title on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s National Leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to step in quickly and restore peace among the two respected monarchs and their followers.
Olusi, through the group’s National Secretary, Bayo Aina, emphasized the need for the South-West Council of Obas to create or strengthen a permanent mechanism to handle such disputes before they damage the prestige of traditional institutions.
According to him, the public disagreements are unfortunate, especially at a time when unity is needed to support President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as one of the most distinguished Yoruba sons. He warned that old historical rivalries, rather than being used to build unity and pride, were being turned into weapons that fuel division among the Yoruba worldwide.
He noted that the ongoing arguments cannot address the pressing challenges facing the people, particularly issues of technology, development, and opportunities that would improve lives.
The group also praised President Tinubu for appointing Chief Opeyemi Agbaje as chairman of the National Pension Commission. They expressed confidence that his leadership would improve pension fund management, make the system more accessible, and help reduce the burden of old-age poverty for retirees across Nigeria.
