The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) on Wednesday urged the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to put aside their differences over the ongoing dispute on seniority.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the council’s president, Fayemi Fakayode, appealed for peace and unity, stressing that harmony between the two monarchs would accelerate progress in Yorubaland.
According to report, the disagreement erupted on Monday after the Alaafin criticized the Ooni’s decision to bestow the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the unveiling of 2geda, an indigenous social media platform, at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan, over 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.
