Traditional worshippers under the Isese Religious Association in Oyo town have called on stakeholders to uphold peace, respect traditional rulers and protect Yoruba cultural identity amid concerns over allegations and public comments that could create divisions among traditional institutions.
The group also warned the public, particularly bloggers and traditionalists, against spreading unverified claims and provocative publications involving the Alaafin of Oyo and other traditional rulers.
The Chairman of the Isese Worshippers Committee and Asiwaju Ask of Oyo, Chief Onifade Olanipekun, made the appeal during a press briefing at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo town on Friday.
Olanipekun described traditional institutions as vital symbols of Yoruba history, identity, customs and shared heritage, stressing the need to treat them with respect and engage in responsible public discussions, even when disagreements arise.
“Our kings and traditional institutions represent important aspects of our history, identity, customs, and collective heritage. They deserve responsible public engagement, constructive dialogue, and respect, even when opinions differ,” he said.
He added that preserving unity across Yorubaland was a collective responsibility, warning that unverified allegations, inflammatory publications and the actions of a few individuals should not be allowed to cause unnecessary divisions.
“The association considers this allegation misleading and a misrepresentation of the relationship between the Isese community and the revered traditional institution of the Alaafin of Oyo,” Olanipekun stated.
The chairman reiterated the association’s support for the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, noting that its allegiance to the throne was rooted in its respect for Yoruba ancestral and spiritual heritage and predated the monarch’s installation.
“The Isese community and Sàngó worshippers in Oyo town wish to state unequivocally that our support for the Alaafin’s throne did not begin today. Our commitment to this traditional institution has been evident since the installation of His Imperial Majesty as the Alaafin of Oyo and remains firmly rooted in our reverence for our ancestors, our spiritual heritage, and the enduring tradition of our forefathers,” he said.
He further explained that the Alaafin’s throne holds significant historical and spiritual importance within their religious and cultural beliefs, adding that respecting the institution was essential to preserving the kingdom’s history, customs and identity for future generations.
Olanipekun urged the public to separate individual opinions and actions from the official position of the Isese community, cautioning against attributing statements made by individuals on social media to the entire association.
He also appealed to traditionalists, regardless of their location, to exercise restraint when commenting on the Alaafin, other monarchs and Yoruba cultural institutions.
“We believe promoting Isese requires knowledge, integrity, responsibility, and respect for our collective heritage. No individual should use the name of our religion to create unnecessary hostility or mislead the public about the position of the Isese community in Oyo,” he added.
Earlier, the Alaafin’s Director of Administration, Prince Adesola Sanda, who represented the monarch, called for unity and mutual understanding among traditional religious associations.
Sanda noted that the Isese philosophy promotes Omoluabi, a Yoruba concept centred on good character, integrity and respect. He added that traditional religious associations uphold these values through respect for elders and ancestral lineage.
