Oyo Palace Denies Alaafin’s Involvement in US-Based Yoruba Chief’s Death

OYO, OYO STATE – The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has vehemently denied any connection to the death of Chief Lukman Ojora Arounfale, a Yoruba traditional leader based in the United States. Chief Arounfale, the Baba Oba of Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, reportedly passed away following an alleged assault that was speculatively linked to an order given during his visit to the Alaafin’s palace.

Bode Durojaye, the Media and Publicity Officer for the Alaafin, addressed the allegations on Tuesday, stating unequivocally that the palace had no role in Chief Arounfale’s death. “The palace, through me, had issued a rebuttal to the media on the unconfirmed story, and it was widely circulated, including by electronic media. The palace was not responsible for his death,” Durojaye asserted.

These allegations arose amidst reports of a strained relationship between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, concerning matters of royal precedence. It was speculated that the alleged assault on Chief Arounfale might be connected to this purported discord.
Durojaye expressed his concern regarding what he described as a deliberate attempt by bloggers and online commentators to instigate unnecessary controversy surrounding the interactions between the Alaafin and the Ooni at a recent public gathering.

“It has come to the attention of the Media Office of the Alaafin of Oyo that certain bloggers and online commentators are generating needless controversies surrounding the interaction between our revered monarchs in Yorubaland—namely, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife—at a recent public function,” Durojaye stated. He emphasized that such manufactured debates serve as an unhelpful distraction from the significant socio-economic and security challenges facing the Yoruba people.

Durojaye further conveyed the Alaafin’s unwavering commitment to addressing these pressing issues, underscoring the monarch’s strong belief in collaboration among traditional institutions as a crucial element for the stability and progress of Yorubaland.

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“The Alaafin holds the Ooni of Ife and all custodians of Yoruba heritage in high regard and is deeply committed to working hand-in-hand with them to chart a new path of unity, justice, and sustainable development across our land,” the spokesman affirmed. He added that Oba Owoade embraces the legacy of his forebears, who understood the profound responsibility of royal office to protect, unite, and lead with dignity.

Durojaye urged the public to reject divisive narratives and instead embrace a vision of Yorubaland where tradition serves as a catalyst for progress, and where royal thrones operate in unity and purposeful cooperation rather than rivalry.

General Information:

• Oyotunji African Village: Located in Beaufort County, South Carolina, in the United States, Oyotunji is a unique community founded in 1970 as a cultural and spiritual haven for African Americans seeking to reconnect with Yoruba heritage. It has traditional rulers with titles like “Baba Oba.”
• Rift Allegations: Reports have suggested a growing rift between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife, two of the most prominent Yoruba traditional rulers in Nigeria, over matters of royal supremacy. A recent viral video appeared to show the Alaafin remaining seated while greeting the Ooni, fueling speculations of a strained relationship.
• Traditional Rulers in the Diaspora: The installation of Yoruba traditional rulers in the diaspora has been a subject of debate. Some prominent Yoruba monarchs in Nigeria have previously condemned this practice as being alien to Yoruba culture and tradition.