Alaafin warns Afijio people against divisive tendencies, commissions son’s constituency project

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has advised the people of Afijio in Oyo metropolis to play down divisive tendencies, but emphasise on unifying factors capable of enthroning harmony, peaceful co-existence and development.
Oba Adeyemi gave the advice at Jobele, headquarters of the Afijio local government, during the commissioning of an electric transformer donated by a member of the House of Representatives representing Atiba, Afijio, Oyo-East and Oyo-West federal constituency, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.
The paramount ruler said Afijio and Oyo are bounded together in customs, traditions, language and culture, adding that the basis for dichotomy was uncalled for, since in unity lie the strength.
‘’The people of Afijio said they were from Gbagura in Ogun State and not Oyo. Such thought was not only myopic, but unintelligent. What they failed to understand is that the old Oyo Empire was one of the earliest and probably, the greatest independent race in West Africa, South of the equator. At the height of its existence, the old Oyo Empire dominated all Yoruba kingdoms namely Ife, Ijesha, Egba, Ijebu, Sabe and Owu. The area occupied by the Yoruba kingdom in South-West Nigeria, is roughly enclosed by latitude 5 and 8 degree north of the equator and Longitude 5 and 21/2 degree east. The reign of Oranmiyan marked a new phase in Yoruba history as it witnessed the executive transfer of political power from Ile-Ife to Oyo, and thereafter, Oyo became the political headquarters of the yoruba race, and that is where the Alaafin presides from’’.
The military command structure, Alaafin explained, was so unique that the Aare Ona Kakanfo as the generalissimo of the military led the Oyo warlords successfully to many battles between the 13th and 16th century that preserved the territorial integrity of the Yoruba race.
‘’ And during this time, Oyo extended its territorial limits to Nupe, Dahomey, Abome, Weme, and other parts of Togo land, and today, these people are off-shots of the great Yoruba kingdom.The Oyo Empire was a West African empire that thrived in the middle to later part of the last millennium. The empire was the largest in present day Yorubaland and one the largest west African empires encountered by colonial explorers. What was to become the Oyo empire began as the state of Oyo, founded sometime before 1400, with its capital at Oyo-Ile, (also known as Katunga or Old Oyo or Oyo-oro)’’.
He continued, ‘’rising to preeminence through wealth gained from trade and through the possession of a powerful cavalry, the Oyo Empire was the most politically important Yoruba state from the mid-17th to the late 18th century, holding sway not only over other Yoruba states, but also over the Fon kingdom of Dahomey (located in the state now known as the Republic of Benin).Due to the prevalence of oral history in old Oyo, the factual origins of Oyo is nebulous at best’’.
Oba Adeyemi hinted that Alaafin is the administrative and political head of the empire, who runs the empire with the help of the council of seven high chiefs called the Oyomesi and headed by the Bashorun.
‘’The Oyomesi takes decisions on not too important issues and pass their decisions to the Alaafin who makes a pronouncement based on the decision of the Oyomesi, while decisions on controversial or very important issues are made by the Alaafin in council session with the Oyomesi. Decisions are implemented by the chiefs using the age grade or the army. Very important towns in the empire are governed directly by the Alaafin while less important towns or far away ones were headed by an Oba or Baale who owes allegiance to the Alaafin and pays annual tribute to the Alaafin’’.
‘’This Obas also have their own cabinet made up of chiefs who assist in the running of their domain and the maintenance of law and order. The Alaafin and his council of chiefs enact laws and amend old ones for the good governance of the people of the empire. So also Obas and Baales in other towns in the empire have powers to enact legislations for the effective and good governance of their people. The Alaafin and his council of chiefs also took decisions pertaining to the waging of war’’, Alaafin explained.
He cautioned that unless the people allow age-long mutual relationship between them and Oyo to continue, shed toga of arrogance, hydra-headedness and be submissive to constituted authority, no meaningful progress and development can be achieved.
The monarch also enjoined the people of the metropolis not to be complacent and cynical about development programmes embarked upon by governments in their localities, but to be actively involved through self-help efforts.
Through this, Oba Adeyemi asserted, there would be rapid development, maintenance culture would be imbibed, while it would further enhance sense of belonging, and gives room for active participation in decision makings.
Oba Adeyemi who commended the federal lawmaker for his pro-activeness and vision in providing various projects to his constituents, solicited continued support of the people to Prince Adeniyi.
In his address, Prince Adeniyi, who is one of the monarch’s sons, appreciated God for His divine guidance, Alaafin’s support and the people’s cooperation, understanding and love for him.
According to him, all the projects were executed based on the demands and requests of the constituents, and not what he thought should be given.
Hon. Adeniyi assured the people of his re-dedication towards improving their socio-economic lives, adding that the era of political office holders shirking in responsibilities to their constituents is gone for good.
Excited people of the federal constituency trooped out in their thousands to express their support and loyalty to Prince Adeniyi, who they described as ‘’sincere, dedicated, committed, caring, selfless, passionate and resilient’’ within two years of his tenure as their representative at the lower chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja.
Other constituency projects commissioned by the Alaafin include transformers at Ile Aladota, Agunpopo, and Oko-oba community phase two. While borehole projects were commissioned at Lagbondoko, Irewole [Agunpopo], Alausa, and Odo-fufu communities.