OBA AKIOLU REKINDLES ACRIMONY IN YORUBA LAND, ENGAGES ONI OF IFE IN A FACE OFF

Oba Ogunwusi

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu may have found himself at the receiving end of attacks and criticism from people of the Yoruba race and Nigerians at large following what has been termed as his move to break the fragile peace that exists among notable traditional rulers in the Western part of the country, and as such bring back the acrimony that hitherto that existed among these monarchs, and by extension will impact negatively on the relationship among their subjects who are sons and daughters of Oduduwa.

The former police officer turn traditional ruler, Oba Akiolu, in a video that is fast spreading like fire in dry season was seen to have snubbed His Imperial Majesty, The Oni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who tried to greet him at an event where they met recently. In the video, upon the entry of Oba Ogunwusi, members of the audience stood to acknowledge his presence after which he was directed to his seat where Oba Akiolu and another Oba were already sited. The other Oba who was first on the line smiled and received greetings from Oba Adeyeye warmly. Apparently, the next person for Adeyeye to exchange pleasantries with was Oba Akiolu, but to the surprise of everyone who had their gaze fixed on these special guests in the gathering, Oba Akiolu turned down Oni’s handshake, but slightly raised his hand from afar to acknowledge the greeting in unpleasant manner  and looked away in his dark shades. In a very swift and matured manner, Oni returned to his seat and engaged the other monarch in a chat.

Nigerians have not only viewed the much talked about video with curiosity, scores of them, via various social media platforms have continued to give knocks to Oba of Lagos for his gesture which has been described as childish, immature and shameful. They are of the opinion that nothing should have made Akiolu to act in such manner in the public to Oni of Ife, being that Oni is the highest rated monarch in Yoruba land, which by extension is superior to him in status and of course, the fact that peace loving and preaching Oni of Ile-Ile is younger to him in age. Reason behind the ugly development is still largely unknown to the general public, but many who are interested in the whole issue are watching with keen interest.

The youthful Oni of Ile- Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who ascended the most exalted throne at the cradle, as Ile-Ife is known over a year ago, aside of his moves to liberate the youths, has taken serious moves to ensure peaceful living in Yoruba land and Nigeria as a whole, which in turn has endeared him to many beyond his domain. He led by example through breaking a jinx of over forty years by paying visit to a widely believed arch rival to the stool he occupies, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, The Alaafin of Oyo. He also took peaceful messages to Ogunsua of Modakeke, monarch of town that once engaged Ile-Ife in protracted battle to which lot lives and properties were lost. Also, perhaps for the gospel of peace Oba Adeyeye is taking around and in the interest of peace in Yoruba land, traditional rulers, such as Alake of Egba and Awujale of Ijebu who were feuding have since sheathe their swords.