Oba Akeem Abimbọla (Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo), has said that he wants to be a friend to all Yoruba monarchs saying, “I have no interest in any superiority battle with the Ooni of Ife.”
While dismissing claims of a superiority tussle with the Ooni of Ife, the monarch stated that his ascension to the throne is aimed at fostering peace, particularly among Yoruba monarchs, and not to promote hostility.
The monarch stated this while receiving series of courtesy visits at his palace in Oyo.
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Among the visitors were executive members of Ọmọ Yorùbá Àtàtà Socio group, a registered organisation focused on promoting Yoruba culture and tradition on a global scale.
While attending to the cultural Initiative (ỌYÀSI), a registered organisation focused on promoting Yoruba culture and tradition on a global scale stated that all such reports are fake fabricated by bloggers.
Responding to the concerns raised by representatives of the Baptist High School, Ṣaki Old Students’ Association, one of the groups that visited him, the Alaafin emphasized that he seeks unity among Yoruba kings.
“I want to be a friend to all Yoruba monarchs. I have no interest in any superiority battle with the Ooni of Ife. All such reports are fake news fabricated by bloggers,” the monarch said.
During the visit, Ọlawale Ajao, Chairman of ỌYÀSI, informed the Alaafin about the purpose of their visit saying that the team came to congratulate the monarch on his ascension and to introduce their initiative along with its flagship programmes.
He explained that ỌYÀSI is committed to the global promotion of Yoruba cultural values. One of its leading projects is the proposed World Headdress Day, aimed at securing international recognition and eventual endorsement by UNESCO.
Explaining the importance of the initiative, Ajao said, “While he addresses across different cultures serve as adornments, they also perform numerous other functions—spiritual, protective, social, and even medical.”
He added, “At every annual celebration of World Headdress Day, the hidden powers and significance of headdresses across various cultures will be showcased. This will not only preserve traditions but also boost the economy of Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.”
In his response, Oba Owoade described the initiative as commendable noting that Yoruba are especially blessed with cultural heritages that surpass those of many other tribes. We need to showcase these treasures to the world,” he said.
“I am ready to support this initiative. Go ahead and define the specific role you want me to play to ensure its success,” he added.
Members of the ỌYÀSI delegation included Saheed Alatise, Nurudeen Adeyẹmi Olorire, and Riswat Ajao.
