By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta
A respected traditional ruler in Ogun State, Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi (Akaosu I), the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area, has advised the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, to refrain from publicly questioning the decisions of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Oba Akinyemi gave the advice in an open letter addressed to the Alaafin of Oyo, following the recent inauguration of the maiden edition of the rotational Oyo State Council of Obas, where the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was appointed as the Chairman of the Council for a two-year term.
According to Oba Akinyemi, as a traditional ruler, the Alaafin should avoid challenging the authority of an elected governor through the media, stressing that such actions could undermine the dignity of the revered stool of Oyo.
He recalled that on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Governor Makinde inaugurated the Council and stated that he had consulted the three foremost monarchs in Oyo State — the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland — all of whom, according to the governor, supported the rotational arrangement and the appointment of Oba Ladoja as the pioneer chairman.
However, Oba Akinyemi noted that hours after the inauguration, a press release from the Alaafin’s palace claimed that the governor did not consult him, an assertion which, in his view, suggested that the Alaafin was calling the governor’s statement into question.
“As a traditional ruler with over two decades of experience, I see this reaction as an affront to the office of the Governor of Oyo State,” Oba Akinyemi said. He advised the Alaafin to withdraw the press release and desist from further public comments on the issue in order to avoid unnecessary conflict with the state government.
The Eselu of Iselu emphasized that the rotation of chairmanship of a state’s traditional council is practiced in many states across Nigeria and should not be viewed as unusual. He added that the era when the Alaafin of Oyo could lay claim to permanent chairmanship of the council, based on the old Oyo Empire structure, is long gone.
While acknowledging that the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo remain highly revered as prominent symbols of Yoruba heritage, Oba Akinyemi cautioned that Nigeria is no longer governed by monarchs. He stressed that actions perceived as insubordination could attract consequences, as state governments possess constitutional powers over traditional institutions.
“The governor is not at the mercy of the state; rather, the state is at the mercy of the governor,” he said, adding that any decision taken by the governor in line with the constitution and state laws remains valid.
Oba Akinyemi further urged the Alaafin to “sheath his sword” and avoid sentiments or influences that could endanger the revered stool of Oyo. He warned that advisers encouraging confrontation with the governor do not have the Alaafin’s best interests at heart.
“As someone who returned from Canada to ascend the throne, I sincerely want you to succeed and enjoy a peaceful reign,” he concluded. “Your Imperial Majesty should distance yourself from bad advisers and work harmoniously with the government
