The Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has issued a firm statement distancing His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, from the growing online controversy surrounding his recent public interaction with the Ooni of Ife.
In a press statement signed by Rev’d Dr. Kolade Oladele, the monarch’s Personal Assistant, the palace condemned the “needless controversies” and “manufactured debates” being stirred by bloggers and online commentators over what it described as a routine royal engagement.
The statement emphasized that such distractions only serve to divert attention from pressing socio-economic and security challenges facing the Yoruba people.
“At a time when our people face profound socio-economic and security challenges, it is incumbent on all of us—leaders, youths, traditional institutions, and citizens alike—to rise above pettiness,” the statement read.
Oba Owoade reaffirmed his commitment to unity and development across Yorubaland, noting that the monarchy under his leadership values collaboration and mutual respect among traditional institutions.
“The Alaafin holds the Ooni of Ife—and all custodians of Yoruba heritage—in high regard and is deeply committed to working hand-in-hand with them to chart a new path of unity, justice, and sustainable development across our land,” the statement added.
Rejecting what it called “performative gestures” and “digital sensationalism,” the palace urged members of the public to focus on initiatives that uplift communities, empower youth, and protect Yoruba cultural values.
The statement concluded with a call for renewed public resolve to strengthen the bonds of Yoruba unity and to uphold the dignity of traditional institutions as instruments of progress rather than objects of controversy.
This comes amid growing public discourse on the role and image of royal institutions in contemporary society, especially in the age of social media scrutiny.
