The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, against adopting a confrontational approach toward government directives or engaging the Oyo State Government through public commentary in the media.
Akinyemi warned that such actions could have serious repercussions, emphasizing that state governments possess the constitutional authority to install or depose any traditional ruler found guilty of insubordination or violation of existing laws.
The monarch maintained that the decision of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to introduce a rotational chairmanship for the state’s Council of Obas was not unusual, noting that similar arrangements are practised in several states across the country.
In an open letter made available to journalists on Friday, the 16th of January, 2026, Akinyemi described it as inappropriate for the Alaafin to challenge the government’s decision on social media and through newspaper publications just hours after the inauguration of the council, particularly while claiming that he was not consulted.
He explained that although the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo are widely regarded as the overall heads of the Yoruba race and the sanctity of their stools must be upheld, Nigeria has moved beyond an era in which traditional rulers functioned as heads of government.
“As a traditional ruler with over two decades of experience, I, the Eselu of Iselu, view the reaction of the Alaafin as an affront to the Office of the Governor of Oyo State.
“My candid advice to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, is that he should withdraw the press release and refrain from further comments on the matter in the media so as not to incur the wrath of the Oyo State Government.
“Rotation of the chairmanship of a state’s traditional council occurs in many states across Nigeria, so the action of Governor Seyi Makinde should not be regarded as strange. The truth is that the days of the Oyo Empire, when the Alaafin of Oyo could lay claim to the permanent chairmanship of the State Council of Obas, are gone.
“It is a fact that the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo are the overall heads of the Yoruba race, and all of us must do everything to protect the sanctity of their revered stools. However, we must remember that we are no longer in the era when monarchs were heads of government.
READ ALSO: Alaafin Refutes Makinde’s Claim Over Obas Council Leadership Rotation
“Specifically, the Alaafin should note that actions such as this can have consequences, because the governor and the Executive Council have the power to install and depose any monarch found guilty of disobedience and insubordination, and nothing will alter such decisions”, the monarch’s statement read.
He further urged the Alaafin to “sheath his sword” and refrain from actions that could place the revered Oyo stool at risk.
Akinyemi also cautioned that individuals encouraging the Alaafin to confront the governor may not have his best interests at heart.
“The Alaafin of Oyo should note that anyone encouraging him to confront the governor and rock the boat does not mean well for him.
“As someone who returned from Canada to ascend the throne, I sincerely want you to succeed and enjoy a peaceful reign. Your Imperial Majesty should therefore distance himself from bad advisers,” Akinyemi said.