Prominent Yoruba leaders have made several attempts to end the seeming ‘rivalry’ between Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo-two paramount traditional rulers in Yoruba land. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports that at the conference held at the Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Law, Samuel Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo to mark Alaafin’s 80th birthday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s discreet involvement further clarified the roles of each of the two dominant monarchs.
Dignitaries, including politicians, captains of industry, members of the academia, traditional rulers and researchers converged on Oyo, the state capital, to identify with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III as he celebrated his 80th birthday at a conference held between October 14 and 18. In attendance to celebrate Oba Adeyemi, described as one of Africa’s most flamboyant traditional rulers, were female traditional rulers.
They came to rejoice with their beloved oba, who they regard as a traditional ruler with distinction. In fact, a female monarch once reigned as Alaafin of Oyo as admitted by the celebrator. Unlike some male traditional rulers, the Alaafin recognises the role of female traditional rulers in Yoruba history.
Oba Adeyemi 111 cuts the picture of a philosopher, traditional poet, counsellor and natural leader with candour and elegance. Any wonder he commands much respect among the female monarchs in the country.
The conference tagged “The Alaafin in Yoruba History, Culture and Political Power Relations” held at the Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Law, Samuel Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, was attended by prominent Nigerians, including former Governor of Osun State, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye represented by Oba Adebisi Segun Layade, Oba of Ara land, Ife, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin of Oke-Ila, retired Archbishop, Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, Prof. Toyin Falola from Texas University, HoustonUSA, Prof. Tunde Babawale, Director, Centre for Black African Arts and Culture and Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, the Director Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, who is also the convener of the conference. Read more