The attention of the Department of Media and Publicity in the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a malicious and unfounded report orchestrated by some devilish bloggers that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Superior Head of Yorubaland was ridiculed and disgraced by the Esama of Benin during a Church thanksgiving service to mark his 91st birthday.
To put the record straight, the father of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion knew the late Alaafin Adeniran Adeyemi, father of the last Alaafin Lamidi Olayiwola in the 50s and had robust relationship.
This cordial relationship was inherited by Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and extended to the late Alaafin of Oyo to the extent that during his birthday ceremony every year and which often lasts one month, Chief Igbinedion would invite the late Alaafin Olayiwola Adeyemi, while on the throne, as the Royal Father for the ever colourful event.
This gesture was extended to the incumbent Alaafin, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1 since he ascended the throne of his forefathers.
As usual, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion specially invited the Alaafin to grace his 91st birthday ceremony this year as the Royal Father
Oba Owoade and his entourage drawn from other states were accorded civic reception right from the airport on arrival to the birthday boy’s mansion/residence.
Two limousine cars, black and white, were made available for the Alaafin and entourage.
The specially-made personal chair being used by Chief Igbinedion was also provided for the Alaafin while Chief Igbinedion sat at a very lower chair besides the Paramount Ruler.
In fact, of all the invited guests, including all kings and their representatives, only the Alaafin was allowed into the residence of Chief Igbinedion alongside his entourage.
It was excitement galore as cross section of Benin City residents trooped out in their thousands and lined up the streets to catch a glimpse at the Alaafin and his entourage convoy, wavering their hands to show their joy and happiness.
At the birthday event, all the invited guests, both high and low, stood up as a mark of respect for the Head of Yorubaland, as the Alaafin and his entourage who are traditional rulers were led to the platform after warm greetings by the celebrant.
The next day, which was Sunday, Alaafin was at the Catholic Church for the thanksgiving service.
Shortly after the Paramount Ruler sat down, a message came from the celebrant that no other traditional ruler or other dignitaries should sit beside the Titan of Yorubaland, besides him and his wife.
As a result, all other invited dignitaries at the Church, including other delegates, sat at the next seats to the Alaafin.
On arrival of Chief Igbinedion, accompanied by his wife, the nonagenarian, due to his old age, had to plead, through one of his children, with utmost respect, to Kabiyesi to shift a little so that the seat could accommodate both the celebrant and his wife, which the Alaafin did.
On the same seat were the former governor of Edo State , Lucky Igbinedion, and his wife. All other dignitaries sat behind them.
How logical and sensible for anyone to think that Alaafin could be invited to an occasion by a celebrant of long years of robust relationship, and at the same time plot evil against his revered Guest?
It is, however, not disturbing and worrisome with concocted and fabricated reports and comments emanating from some evil mongers about what transpired at the church during the birthday thanksgiving service. Those who were physically present at the event saw how Alaafin was honoured and celebrated by all.
Distortion of facts is a common tool used by fifth columnists to mislead people, as it involves changing the truth, either partially or entirely to suit their nefarious mission.
Those perpetuating evil manipulations against the Alaafin should know that “they are murdering peace and shall know no peace in their life times”.
Members of the public are, therefore, advised to ignore and disregard the tendentious report and comments milling around, as it is “untrue, and calculated attempt to ridicule the Superior Head of Yorubaland and his revered institution out of envy and persecution”.
*Signed Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.
The foremost Yoruba Oba, the Alafin of Oyo Empire should expect such baptism because of his position. Who did not know that historically The Alafin of Oyo accommodates even his enemies during war? All your critics are jealous of you but there is nothing they can do again because God has ordained you and nobody can de-robe you.