The International Council for Ifa Religion, on Wednesday, called on both the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to sheath their swords over the ongoing seniority contest.
The council, in a statement by its President, Fayemi Fakayode, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also pleaded for harmony, which ICIR believed would fast-track development in the Yoruba kingdom.
The PUNCH reports that the crisis between the Alaafin and Ooni began on Monday after the former faulted the Ooni’s decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a businessman, Dotun Sanusi, during the unveiling of 2geda, an indigenous social media network at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan, at the weekend.
Fakayode said, “As we mark this year’s Ìsẹ̀ṣe festival, we extend our warmest felicitations to our revered traditional rulers. May they be endowed with robust health and longevity.
“We express our deepest gratitude to those monarchs who have remained unwavering custodians of our cultural traditions and respectfully advise those who have embraced foreign cultures to reconnect with their heritage.
“To propel our land towards development, progress, and unity, we enjoin our traditional rulers to foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding. Our special appeal goes to Imperial Majesties Alayeluwa Ọba Ogunwusi, the Oonirisa, and Alayeluwa Oba Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, to continue their noble endeavours in harmony for the betterment of our people.
“Let me, on behalf of ICIR, call on both Oba Ogunwusi and Oba Owoade to sheath their swords over the ongoing seniority contest between the duo. We are also pleading for harmony, which we believe would fast-track development in the Yoruba kingdom,” he pleaded
PUNCH
