The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi, has denied any involvement in the death of Chief Lukman Ojora Arounfale, a Yoruba traditional ruler based in the United States. Arounfale, also known as the Baba Oba of Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, reportedly died after an alleged assault during a visit to the Alaafin’s palace.
Bode Durojaye, the Media and Publicity Officer to the Alaafin, addressed the allegations on Tuesday, clarifying that there was no connection between the monarch and Arounfale’s death. He emphasized that the palace had already issued a rebuttal to the unverified reports circulating in the media.
“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 stated.
The allegations were further linked to an ongoing rift between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over issues of royal supremacy. However, Durojaye dismissed these speculations as unnecessary distractions, stating that such controversies should not take focus away from the real challenges facing the Yoruba people.
Durojaye urged Nigerians to reject such divisive narratives and focus on the pressing issues that affect the well-being of the people. He called on leaders and citizens to prioritize unity, socio-economic progress, and security.
“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,” he said. “This is an unhelpful distraction from the truly pressing issues that sons and daughters of Yorubaland should be focused on.”
He went on to emphasize that the Alaafin remains committed to collaborating with other traditional institutions, especially the Ooni of Ife, to foster peace, development, and unity across Yorubaland.
“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,” Durojaye affirmed.
Finally, Durojaye reminded the public of the sacred duty of the Yoruba monarchy to protect, unite, and lead with dignity, rejecting the idea of turning royal matters into public spectacles. He urged the people of Yorubaland to embrace a vision of unity and progress where traditional institutions work together, rather than in rivalry.
The Alaafin’s message calls for a focus on elevating the welfare of the people, revitalizing traditional values, and fostering cooperation among Yoruba leaders in a time of significant challenges.
