Olubadan Snubs Alaafin: Criticise with Wisdom, Not by Insults — Aare Alawode Warns Yoruba Youths

Ibadan-born President of the Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), Aare Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, has called for calm, wisdom and cultural responsibility following the recent public incident involving the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Owoade.

The incident, in which the Alaafin was reportedly left unattended while extending a greeting as attention was given to a former Governor of Oyo State and Senator of the Federal Republic, has sparked widespread reactions and heated debates across Yorubaland and on social media.

In a strongly worded statement, Aare Alawode described the development as unfortunate and sensitive, stressing that Yoruba traditional institutions must never be reduced to public ridicule or supremacy contests.

“As an Ibadan son and a proud Yoruba man, I speak with a deep sense of responsibility. The Olubadan stool represents the warrior spirit and heritage of Ibadan, while the Alaafin throne remains the imperial symbol of the old Oyo Empire — the political and cultural backbone of Yorubaland for centuries. These thrones are not built on ego, but on honour, dignity and history,” he said.

Aare Alawode warned that any action capable of creating a perception of rivalry or superiority between the two foremost traditional institutions must be handled with wisdom, maturity and cultural sensitivity.

He therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Southwest Governors, Yoruba leaders, elders and traditional councils to urgently wade into the matter and ensure that respect, harmony and unity are preserved among Yoruba monarchs.

“Our royal stools are older than modern politics. They must never be dragged into personal loyalty, political alignment or public humiliation. When a throne is disgraced, the people lose honour. When history is disrespected, the future is endangered,” he stated.

Addressing Yoruba youths directly, Aare Alawode condemned the wave of abusive comments and insults trailing the incident on social media platforms.

“Youths must learn to criticise with wisdom, not with insults. The crown is sacred. You may question with intelligence, but never with mockery. You may express concern, but never with disrespect. Our royal fathers are custodians of our heritage, not subjects of online abuse,” he warned.

He urged Yoruba youths at home and in the diaspora to remember that unity, respect and dignity have always been the strength of Yorubaland.

“Yorubaland must not be divided by ego. Our history is too great to be reduced to online insults. Let wisdom guide our leaders, let honour return to our thrones, and let peace reign across our land,” Aare Alawode concluded.

Signed:

Aare Alawode Rahmon Akintunde

Ibadan-born

President, Yoruba Youth Council (YYC)