Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to set aside disputes over the Oyo State Council of Obas’ chairmanship and focus on tackling insecurity in the South West while promoting regional development.
Igboho’s appeal comes amid a disagreement over the rotational leadership of the council, which Governor Seyi Makinde recently addressed by appointing Oba Ladoja as the new chairman. The new arrangement stipulates that the permanent chairmanship will rotate among the Olubadan, the Alaafin, and the Soun of Ogbomoso.
In a statement aimed at reducing tensions among the traditional rulers, Igboho described it as unproductive for prominent monarchs—whose leadership has been central to Yoruba history—to expend energy on positional disputes. He urged them to unite against the rising insecurity in Yorubaland.
He also called on other Yoruba leaders, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, to help ease the friction surrounding the council’s chairmanship.
“Why should our royal fathers waste time on positions when bandits, terrorists, and other criminals are taking over our forests in the South West, as seen in the recent killings of park guards in Old Oyo National Park and other parts of Oyo State?” Igboho asked.
He stressed that traditional rulers, regardless of rank, must unite to protect Yoruba territorial integrity, foster unity, and promote sustainable development across the South West.
“Traditional rulers should remain agents of cohesion, harmony, and economic growth. When your subjects—especially rural farmers—are being violently attacked, it is neither ideal nor timely to focus on disputes over temporary positions,” he added.