“Don’t Disrespect Obas” -Alaafin Of Oyo Writes Governor Fayemi Over Sanction Of Ekiti State Monarchs
The Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi, has warned the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, against treating the traditional institution in Yorubaland with levity, after the governor sent a query to 16 monarchs in the state.
It was gathered that the state government had issued “administrative letters” to no fewer than 11 first-class traditional rulers over alleged non-cooperation with government and leadership of the state traditional council.
The memo titled “Re-Absence from State Functions and Council of Traditional Rulers’ Monthly Meetings,” was issued to the affected monarchs on March 11. They were given 72 hours to respond to the query.
The letter accused the monarchs of refusing to make themselves available at both state functions as well as monthly meetings of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, for about eight months, since August 2019.
Subsequently, the Alaafin who responded to the sanction through a letter dated March 12 warned the state government to desist from meddling into the affairs of the traditional rulers.
He said he was writing on behalf of seven paramount royal fathers in Yoruba land.
A part of the letter which was obtained by Premium Times, reads;
Specifically, this is in respect of the composition of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the State. Let me start by saying that the sacrosanct of Pelupelu that grades the sixteen Crowned Obas in Ekiti Land is not in doubt. Suffice to say Your Excellency that in any human society and more so in Yoruba Land, order of hierarchy and seniority are of vital consideration in position placement.
From time immemorial, Obaship Leadership in Ekiti Land had been within the sixteen Obas without any dispute or quarrel among them and indeed to the admiration of other Yoruba Kingdoms.
The Oyo monarch also noted that the actions of Mr Fayemi amount to subjudice since the matter is pending before a court, adding that;
It is on this basis that we will advise against any attempt to treat traditional institutions in Yoruba Land with levity and to avoid any attempt of importing any sub-culture of traditional degradation into Yoruba Land,” the letter read in parts.
Since the case is still in court, we will not want to comment further on it as a law abiding citizen. I, however, expected that your Excellency waits till the end of the court process before acting on the matter.
The Oyo monarch concluded saying;
Finally, as fathers, we should like to advise Your Excellency to tread softly any relationship with Traditional Institution in the name of Oduduwa and our other Ancestors in Yoruba Land. Let us employ diplomacy to settle this issue. We have the mechanism of conflict resolution in ways of our ancestors.
Read full letter below:
