Traditional worshippers in Oyo town have called for peace, unity and respect for traditional institutions, urging members of the public to avoid spreading unverified allegations that could cause tension among Yoruba traditional rulers.
The appeal was made by the Isese Religious Association in Oyo town, which also cautioned bloggers and traditionalists against publishing inflammatory statements concerning the Alaafin of Oyo and other monarchs.
The Chairman of the Isese Worshippers Committee and Asiwaju Awo of Oyo, Chief Onifade Olanipekun, made the appeal during a press briefing held at the Alaafin’s palace on Friday.
Olanipekun stressed the importance of preserving Yoruba cultural heritage, noting that traditional institutions remained vital to the history, identity and customs of the people.
He said, “Our kings and traditional institutions represent important aspects of our history, identity, customs, and collective heritage. They deserve responsible public engagement, constructive dialogue, and respect, even when opinions differ.
“The unity of Yoruba land is a shared responsibility. We must not allow unverified allegations, inflammatory publications, or the actions of a few individuals to create unnecessary divisions among our people and institutions.
“The association considers this allegation misleading and a misrepresentation of the relationship between the Isese community and the revered traditional institution of the Alaafin of Oyo.”
The association reaffirmed its allegiance to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, explaining that its support for the throne was based on its longstanding respect for Yoruba traditions and ancestral heritage.
According to Olanipekun, the community’s commitment to the institution predates the monarch’s installation and reflects its dedication to preserving the kingdom’s cultural and spiritual identity.
He said, “The Isese community and Sàngó worshippers in Oyo town wish to state unequivocally that our support for the Alaafin’s throne did not begin today. Our commitment to this traditional institution has been evident since the installation of His Imperial Majesty as the Alaafin of Oyo and remains firmly rooted in our reverence for our ancestors, our spiritual heritage, and the enduring tradition of our forefathers.
“In our religious and cultural understanding, the Alaafin’s throne holds profound historical and spiritual significance. Our reverence for the throne is inseparable from our responsibility to preserve the history, customs, traditions, and identity of Oyo Kingdom for present and future generations.”
Olanipekun further urged the public to avoid generalising individual opinions as the official position of the entire Isese community, particularly when such views are expressed on social media.
He called on traditionalists within and outside Oyo town to exercise caution in their public comments about the Alaafin, other traditional rulers and Yoruba cultural institutions.
He added that the promotion of Isese religion should be guided by responsible conduct, knowledge and respect for the community’s heritage.
“We believe promoting Isese requires knowledge, integrity, responsibility, and respect for our collective heritage. No individual should use the name of our religion to create unnecessary hostility or mislead the public about the position of the Isese community in Oyo,” he added.
Earlier, the Director of Administration to the Alaafin, Prince Adesola Sanda, who represented the monarch at the event, called for greater unity and understanding among traditional religious groups.
Sanda explained that Isese philosophy promotes Omoluabi, a Yoruba concept associated with good character, integrity and respect for others.
He noted that traditional religious associations helped uphold these values through respect for elders and recognition of ancestral lineage.
