By Ola Ajayi

THE peace that had eluded the traditional institution in the South West for decades is gradually returning to the royal circle as prominent monarchs in the zone have decided to put aside the unhealthy rivalry, which had created a deep rift between  them.

•Olubadan pays first official visit to Alaafin after 17 years

Knowing the extent of damage that the supremacy battle had caused among the traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Eniitan Ogunwusi was the first monarch that extended an olive branch to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi thereby putting an end to the perennial crisis between the two thrones.

The ember of disunity, between  the monarchs got to the crescendo when some kings in the zone came together under the umbrella of Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Committee led by the Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan to mediate in the ugly crisis.

Other monarchs in the council include the Secretary, Sabiganna of Iganna, Oba Soliu Oyemonla Azeez,   Olojudu of  Ojudu, Oba Sikiru Adelani and Ahaba of Ajagba, Oba Thomas Olawale Adesayo and many more. At one of its numerous meetings, Oba Akinruntan expressed satisfaction with how the committee had been able to bridge the gap among the kings.

Enmity among monarchs

While noting that the reason for animosity  among monarchs in the zone was ego, he assured that the committee would not be distracted but would focus its attention on the resolution of the crisis.

Obas Akinruntan said: “We have achieved a lot after setting up this committee. We discovered that the genesis of rivalry among Yoruba Obas was nothing but mere ego. We have succeeded in that we have been able to make our traditional rulers speak with one voice.”

Specifically on the Alaafin and Ooni feud, he said: “They are our senior Obas. We are not competent to judge them. We are their children. They have been our rulers for many years. But we are sure they would come together very soon.” So, the joy of the committee knew no bounds when the new Ooni visited the Alaafin and many other monarchs in the zone.

Also, on Tuesday, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso 1 accompanied by members of the Olubadan-in-Council and some other senior chiefs paid a visit to the ancient Oyo palace of the Alaafin of Oyo. Though, the Alaafin and Olubadan do meet at occasions and exchange pleasantries, the relationship was not cordial.

Age long rivalry

It was about 17 years ago specifically in 1999 that the then Olubadan, Oba Yinusa Bankole Ogundipe Arapasowu 1 visited the Alaafin of Oyo.

Before now, the late Olubadan and Alaafin had kept each other at arm’s length and the issue of permanent chairmanship in the Oyo State Traditional Council had further fanned the flames of discord between them.

At a time, the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana boycotted the meeting of the traditional council when Alaafin was the Chairman of the council. Only a few rulers from Ibadan environs, in defiance of the directive of the then monarch, attended the meetings.

Chairmanshipof the council

The matter worsened when the ex-Governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, at the twilight of his tenure, removed the Alaafin as the chairman of the council and directed that the chairmanship should be rotational with the three prominent Kings, Alaafin, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Soun of Ogbomoso and Olubadan of Ibadanland. After the removal of Alaafin, Olubadan was made the chairman of the council and Alaafin too stopped attending the meeting. The matter is still in court.

Olubadan breaks jinx: So, it was a thing of joy when the new Olubadan of Ibadanland,taking turns at the position Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, brushed all these differences aside and paid a visit to the Alaafin. Indeed, several people believe that the visit has calmed frayed nerves and further strengthened their relationship.

Oba Adeyemi known for excellence and being a custodian of Yoruba culture received the Olubadan warmly. On arrival at the palace exactly 10.35 am, Oba Adetunji said the purpose of his visit to Alaafin was to appreciate the Alaafin for personally attending his coronation on Friday March 4, 2016, at the ancient Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

He said the visit was also predicated on his resolve to promote unity among the Yoruba traditional rulers. Olubadan, a few weeks ago, paid a similar visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.

To him, ensuring that peace reigns among the monarchs is non-negotiable because he believes so many remarkable achievements are possible when monarchs in Yorubland come together, and speak with one voice and act as one indivisible entity.

Indivisible entity

Oba Adetunji went down memory lane, saying he had been close to Alaafin ever before his coronation in 1971 describing Oba Adeyemi III as a man of “many colours.” He prayed for longevity of Alaafin on the throne of Oyo and wished him well in all his endeavours.

Responding, Oba Adeyemi, also corroborated the earlier comments of his visitor that they had known each other for long.

Alaafin, who was clad in a white agbada with his usual traditional cap, did not hide his satisfaction with the visit describing Oba Adetunji as accommodating, generous and honourable.

He continued that since he knew him as a music marketer with a popular record label, Olubadan had continued to nurture and strengthen the relationship with him.

Oba Adeyemi explained that previous monarchs who held the title of Olubadan used to visit him and he also had reciprocated the gesture.

The high and senior chiefs that accompanied Olubadan included the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun; the Balogun of Ibadan land, High Chief Owolabi Olakuleyin; the Otun Balogun, High Chief Femi Olaifa; Osi Balogun, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola and the Asipa Olubadan, High Chief Eddy Oyewole, the Eekerin Olubadan, High Chief Biodun Daisi; the Eekerin Balogun, High Chief Gbadamosi Adebimpe and the Eekarun Olubadan, High Chief Amidu Ajibade.

Others were Maye Olubadan, Chief Adebayo Akande; Agbaakin Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi; Aare Alasa, Chief Lateef Oyelade; Ayingun Balogun, Chief Sarafadeen Alli and the Lagunna, Chief Ademola Odunade.