By Esther Onyegbula

An Ibadan-based cultural advocate and energy executive, Dr. Babajide Agunbiade, has said that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade I, conducts his public duties strictly in line with long-established oaths and traditional rites, and not on the basis of personal sentiment or dispute.

Agunbiade made the clarification in an open letter made available to journalists, in which he addressed recent public commentary surrounding an inter-faith event in Oyo State and interpretations suggesting that the Alaafin’s conduct at the gathering amounted to a slight against another traditional ruler.

According to the letter, such interpretations do not reflect the cultural and ritual obligations attached to the Alaafin’s stool and risk misrepresenting the nature of the institution.

He stated that the Alaafin is bound by sacred oaths and rites that predate modern governance structures, noting that these obligations guide conduct at public and private functions alike.

Agunbiade stressed that there was no intention to show disrespect to any traditional ruler, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, adding that assumptions of discourtesy overlook the strict traditional codes governing the Alaafin’s actions.

The letter explained that part of the Alaafin’s sworn responsibilities includes adherence to specific rites, such as prescribed traditional observances that impose limitations on certain gestures and conduct. These, he said, are binding on every occupant of the throne and are not subject to personal discretion.

“Such rites are integral to the institution and are observed irrespective of the personalities or status of those present at any event,” the letter stated.

Agunbiade noted that the Alaafin’s conduct should therefore be understood within the context of fidelity to tradition, rather than interpreted as rivalry, pride, or hostility.

He called on members of the public to exercise restraint and cultural sensitivity in commenting on traditional institutions, warning that long-established customs should not be judged solely through the lens of contemporary social expectations or social media narratives.

The open letter further highlighted the historical significance of the Alaafin as custodian of the heritage of the old Oyo Empire, which played a major role in the political and cultural development of Yorubaland and parts of present-day Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

According to Agunbiade, recognition of the Alaafin’s position should be seen as respect for history and tradition, and not as a claim of superiority over other Yoruba monarchs, all of whom perform distinct roles within a shared cultural framework.

He added that the Alaafin remains committed to peace, harmony, and mutual respect among traditional institutions, and bears no ill will toward any throne.

The letter concluded with an appeal for understanding, urging the public to distinguish between adherence to tradition and personal disposition.

Dr. Agunbiade is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Energy Resources, with professional experience in the offshore oil and gas sector.