The Oyo Indigenes Forum (OIF) has defended the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, over comments made by a University of Ibadan professor concerning the monarch’s alleged late arrival at a recent public event.
The group described remarks attributed to Prof. Ademola Dasylva as unfair and based on a poor understanding of royal protocol, insisting that the criticism failed to consider the realities of a traditional ruler’s responsibilities.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Segun Oke, and made available to journalists over the weekend, the forum said the allegation that the Alaafin arrived about three hours behind schedule at the event “betrays a fundamental ignorance of royal protocol and institutional coordination”.
According to the group, the Alaafin’s office embodies far more than the individual occupying the throne, stressing that it represents centuries of Yoruba civilisation, culture, tradition and identity.
“The Alaafin of Oyo is more than an individual. The throne represents centuries of Yoruba civilisation, culture, tradition and identity. Consequently, comments concerning the office should be made with accuracy, restraint and an appreciation of the enormous responsibilities that accompany the institution,” the statement read.
The forum maintained that it was inappropriate to conclude that the monarch deliberately arrived late without a full understanding of the circumstances that may have influenced his schedule.
It noted that traditional rulers, particularly the Alaafin of Oyo, are frequently required to attend to official engagements, security considerations and cultural obligations that could unexpectedly alter planned appearances.
According to the OIF, such situations should not be automatically interpreted as disrespect towards event organisers or guests.
While acknowledging that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to express opinions on issues of public interest, the forum said it was disappointed that a respected academic publicly criticised one of Africa’s oldest traditional institutions in a manner capable of diminishing its dignity.
The group argued that disagreements over event management or protocol should not become grounds for questioning the character or commitment of a monarch whose reign, it said, has continued to attract renewed interest in the preservation and promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage both within Nigeria and internationally.
The OIF further urged Prof. Dasylva, as a scholar and custodian of knowledge, to encourage discussions that strengthen cultural institutions rather than make statements that could expose them to public ridicule.
It stressed that although constructive criticism remains an essential feature of a democratic society, such criticism should be exercised with fairness, balance and due respect for institutions regarded as symbols of collective identity.
The forum also appealed to indigenes of Oyo and admirers of Yoruba culture across the world to remain committed to protecting the honour and integrity of the Alaafin stool.
It said differing opinions should never undermine the respect accorded to an institution that has endured for centuries as a symbol of Yoruba leadership, pride and civilisation.
Reaffirming its support for the monarch, the OIF expressed confidence in Oba Owoade’s commitment to advancing the cultural, historical and developmental aspirations of the Oyo Kingdom.
It also prayed for the continued prosperity of the Alaafin, the Oyo Kingdom and the preservation of Yoruba heritage.
