An Ogun State traditional ruler, Oba (Dr) Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area, has cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, against publicly challenging Governor Seyi Makinde over the inauguration of the maiden rotational Oyo State Council of Obas.
Oba Akinyemi, in an open letter dated January 15, said the Alaafin’s reported denial of consultation by the governor was inappropriate and capable of escalating tensions between the palace and the state government.
The Oyo State Government had on Thursday inaugurated the rotational council with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adewolu Rashidi Ladoja, appointed as chairman for a two-year term.
Makinde said the decision followed consultations with the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan and the Soun of Ogbomoso.
However, the Alaafin was absent from the inauguration, and a statement later issued from the palace reportedly disputed the governor’s claim of consultation.
Reacting, Oba Akinyemi described the development as “an affront to the office of the governor,” urging the Alaafin to withdraw the statement and avoid further public commentary on the matter.
“As a traditional ruler with over two decades of experience, I view this reaction as unnecessary and avoidable. Rotation of chairmanship of councils of obas exists in many states and should not be treated as strange,” he said.
The Ogun monarch added that the era when any monarch could permanently preside over a state council of traditional rulers had passed, stressing that constitutional authority now resides with elected governments.
He warned that confrontations between monarchs and governments often attract consequences, noting that governors retain powers under the law to discipline erring traditional rulers.
While acknowledging the historic roles of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife as leading Yoruba monarchs, Akinyemi urged restraint, saying such revered stools must not be dragged into avoidable disputes.
He further advised the Alaafin to “sheath his sword” and disregard counsel that could undermine his reign, describing such advisers as enemies of the throne.
“I sincerely want Your Imperial Majesty to succeed and enjoy a peaceful reign. You should do away with bad advisers and avoid sentiments that can threaten the revered stool of Oyo,” he said.
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