Alaafin of Oyo Honored at Chief Igbinedion’s 91st Birthday Thanksgiving Service

The Palace of His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo and Superior Head of Yorubaland, has issued a strong denial of reports circulating online that the Alaafin was ridiculed and disgraced during the 91st birthday thanksgiving service of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin. These malicious reports, described by the Palace as concocted by “devilish bloggers,” are false and a calculated attempt to tarnish the esteemed institution of the Alaafin.

The relationship between the Alaafin’s Palace and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion dates back to the 1950s when the father of Chief Igbinedion shared a warm and respectful friendship with the late Alaafin Adeniran Adeyemi, father of the previous Alaafin Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III. This long-standing cordial tie was maintained and strengthened by Chief Igbinedion and successive Alaafins. In fact, it has been a tradition for Chief Igbinedion to invite the Alaafin as the “Royal Father” to his month-long birthday celebrations, a custom the current Alaafin, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has continued since ascending the throne.

During this year’s 91st birthday celebrations of Chief Igbinedion in Benin City, Oba Owoade and his entourage were accorded a civic reception immediately upon arrival at the airport. Exclusive limousine cars were made available to the Alaafin, and a specially crafted personal chair, usually used by Chief Igbinedion himself, was provided for the monarch, while the celebrant sat respectfully on a lower seat beside him. Furthermore, the Alaafin was the only traditional ruler admitted into Chief Igbinedion’s residence with his entourage.

The reception by residents of Benin City was overwhelmingly warm, with large crowds lining the streets to welcome and celebrate the arrival of the Alaafin and his entourage. At the main birthday event, all guests, comprising kings and dignitaries from various regions, rose to pay their respects as the Alaafin was ushered to the platform as the superior traditional ruler.

At the Catholic Church thanksgiving service held on the Sunday following the celebrations, a respectful seating arrangement was explained. The celebrant, being advanced in age, requested with utmost respect that the Alaafin shift a little to accommodate both himself and his wife beside the monarch — a request that the Alaafin complied with graciously. Former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion and his wife also occupied seats alongside the Alaafin, while other dignitaries were seated behind them.

The Palace condemned the absurd notion that Chief Igbinedion, who has maintained a robust relationship with the Alaafin’s office for decades, would orchestrate any form of humiliation against his revered guest. The statement firmly declared that attempts to distort these facts are tactics of divisive elements seeking to destabilize peace and harmony.

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The public has been urged to disregard reports of disrespect as they are baseless and fueled by envy and malice towards the Alaafin and his revered institution. The Palace emphasized that those behind such falsehoods are “murdering peace” and will themselves experience no peace.

This affirmation of respect and honor toward the Alaafin at Chief Gabriel Igbinedion’s 91st birthday thanksgiving unmistakably affirms the enduring friendship and mutual respect between these prominent traditional authorities in Nigeria.

The statement was signed by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Yorubaland and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.