For two days, (Tuesday and Wednesday) this week, the entire length and breadth of northern part of Oyo State otherwise known as the Oke Ogun areas stood still for the His Imperial Majesty, The Alaafin of Oyo and the Superior Head of Yorubaland, Oba (Engineer) Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1 during his thank you visits to traditional rulers in the areas
The unprecedented colourful reception accorded the Alaafin and his entourage witnessed a crowd of happy-looking indigenes and residents who trooped out in thousands with jubilation and shouts of “Iku Baba Yeye, Olori Oba Ile Yoruba’, E Kabo, Se daada le de” (meaning Alaafin death personified, the Head of all monarchs in Yorubaland. You are welcome and how was the journey?”.
The first port of call was the Palace of the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, where other traditional rulers from Iseyin, Itesiwaju, and Kajola Local Governments that constitute the Zone I of the Oke Ogun Traditional Council were in attendance.
Some of the monarchs who spoke at the event lauded the Alaafin for his maturity, sense of devotion, perseverance and divine wisdom since ascension of the throne of his forefathers.
They pledged their commitment to the Paramount Ruler who they described as “lover of peace, unity and progress”.
In his address, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Oyebola Adeyeri 111, commended Oba Owoade for his patience and diplomacy in handling the recent face off between the Alaafin and Ooni of Ife, saying that it was one of the challenges to be encountered while on the throne.
He assured the Alaafin of the support of monarchs in the Zone I of Oke Ogun Council of Obas and Chiefs which he was the Chairman, pointing out the administration of Oba Owoade has so far portrayed him as a “Royal Father with distinction”.
Next visit was the Palace of the Okeere of Saki, Oba ( Dr.) Khalid Olabisi Oyedepo 111.
The Alaafin was received by the Okeere amid large crowd of people with pomp and pageantry, especially Oyo indigenes resident in Saki town.
Just few hours after the warm reception for the Alaafin, there was a torrential rainfall which lasted for almost four hours.
“Wonderful! What a miracle! For about four weeks now, we have not experienced any drop of rainfall, let alone be as heavy as this. Iku Baba Yeye, You are a great Monarch. You are truly the real Sango. We are grateful to You, the indomitable Head of Yorubaland”.
These were utterances oozing out from some residents who could not hold back their joy.
The torrential rain was not associated with serious consequences, including flash floods, urban flooding and landslides. It rained peacefully .
Even, as early as 530 am the next day, the downpour resumed and lasted about an hour before subsided.
At the meeting with traditional rulers from Oke Ogun Zone 2 of the Council of Obas and Chiefs comprising, Saki West, Saki East, Orelope and Irepo Local governments and with the Okeere of Saki as the Chairman, some traditional rulers who spoke appreciated steps being taken by the Alaafin to entrench peace, and harmony among traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
They equally thanked the Paramount Ruler for the love and attention accorded Oke Ogun monarchs whenever they visit him in Oyo town.
While pledging their unalloyed support , cooperation and loyalty to the Alaafin , they described Oba Owoade as the Alaafin Yorubaland, urging him to remain focused and not be distracted in his pursuance of unity and progress among traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
The Okeere of Saki, who went down the historical lane, described both Oyo and Saki as two inseparable towns that have many things in common.
He called on the people of Oyo to rally round the Alaafin, be sincere and honest with him, in order to enable him accomplish the arduous task ahead of him.
The Monarchs also urged Oke Ogun monarchs not to relent in their support and cooperation, but be more whole hearted in their commitment to the Alaafin.
Responding, the Alaafin described traditional rulers as formidable barricades which reinforce peace and security of the nation.
Speaking on the essence of unity, Oba Owoade said it is the ability to stay together and work with others to accomplish a common goal.
“There are many benefits of staying united in tough times, as it helps to face challenging situations with courage. The importance of staying united has struck a chord among many people throughout history. Keeping memories of what we have accomplished throughout history can help us see how individuals and communities have persevered through tough times and into a brighter future. In unprecedented moments, staying united is essential because the future is uncertain and could go either way. Staying united is crucial because it keeps each individual’s individuality intact”.
The Titan of Yorubaland went further: “There are many reasons why nations should stay united, as this explains its significance. In world history, we can see examples of countries that stayed together, despite disagreements. This shows how countries can work together to create progress and prosperity.
“The nations should stay united because it helps keep the peace on our mother Earth. It is good for countries to have a lot of trade and exchange with one another that helps them grow”.
“As the Custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, I have always
taken into consideration the safety and welfare of my subjects and will never compromise tradition, culture and development of my people for a pot porridge””.
While using the occasion to tell the world that he is not in running battle for supremacy with the Ooni and that there is no wrangling between the two of them, Oba Owoade asserted that “history has been so kind and friendly to the Alaafin that he does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe. Alaafin combines humility with royalty to meet the modern day demands”.
Describing the Okeere of Saki “as a modern, education-focused monarch-melding tradition with service, whose commitments mark a progressive era in Saki’s leadership”, Alaafin, therefore, solicited for total cooperation of Oke Ogun monarchs, saying “in unity lies the strength”.
*Bode Durojaiye is the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.
