Ekiti Monarch Calls For Unity Between Ooni, Alaafin

Ekiti, Nigeria — The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, has charged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to be in the pioneer of efforts to tackle the challenges facing the Yoruba race.

Oba Adejugbe, who said it was not time for Yoruba to be divided over petty issues, said,

“The South-West is currently suffering from various challenges, most especially insecurity – something that should totally engage the attention of traditional rulers and leaders in the subregion.”

A statement from the Palace of the Ewi made available in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday stated that Oba Adejugbe spoke recently in Ado Ekiti during the conferment of the Atobatele of Ado Ekiti chieftaincy title on the Chairman of Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council, Prince Tajudeen Olusi.

Adejugbe spoke in reaction to what was termed a negative narrative being pushed by social media about the relationship between the two foremost traditional rulers, the Alaafin and the Ooni.

The Ewi said, “It is unfortunate that since the recent ascension of Oba Owoade to the throne of his forefathers, the social media have been trying to push a negative narrative about the relationship between him and the Ooni. I seize this opportunity to appeal to both eminent Obas to handle the matter with tact and wisdom”.

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Adejugbe, who said seniority should not be an issue for the two monarchs (Ooni and Alaafin), said, “This is not a time for the Yoruba to be divided over tawdry issues.

“As well-educated, well-travelled, experienced global citizens, the Ooni and Alaafin must rise above pettiness; they must be in the vanguard of efforts to tackle the grievous challenges facing the Yoruba race.

“They must deploy their exposure, worldwide connections and considerable wealth to advance security, peace and social development in the country, particularly in the southwest,” the Ewi said.

The monarch lauded Olusi, who was honoured with a chieftaincy title for his lifelong impact, which he said could be seen in the advancement of education, in community service and in cultural development.

“The Atobatele title was awarded to Prince Olusi based on his stellar achievements, singular virtues and extraordinary contributions to community development and institutional progress,” Adejugbe said.

Margret Oshinowo  | May 27, 2025