…reiterates support for Makinde’s administration
By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao has said the stool of the Alaafin of Oyo transcends the state as it cuts across all Yorubaland.
He described the Alaafin stool as number one and most powerful stool that all should recognise and revere.
He spoke while fielding questions from rwporters shortly after hosting the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and his wife Ayaba Abiwumi who were at the Olugbon’s palace on a royal visit.
The visit is the first by the Alaafin to any traditional ruler since his enthronement as the 46th Alaafin.
Oba Alao who also reiterated his support for the governor Makinde’s expresses optimism and confidence in the governor do what is right in giving life back to the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state.
Apparently reacting to the ongoing debate on the supremacy of the Alaafin stool, the monarch who said the relationship between his stool and that of he Alaafin dates back to several hundred of years ago.
He thanked the Alaafin for choosing the make the Palace of Orile-Igbon as his first point of call of royal visit since after his coronation.
He said the visit is an implication of the cordially between the monarchs and sign of better things to come.
Obs Alao said, “Well, the implication is that I’m highly elated and very thankful to God and with utmost gratitude also to the Alaafin stool for him to deem it fit, this is his first visit since inception to any palace. And making a choice of coming to the Olugbon Palace to visit me, honestly, I would not take it for granted. I do appreciate his visit.
“And also, the implication is we have had this bond, this relationship, for about six, seven hundred years ago, way back when Oyo ile was established. And also, we are both direct descendants of Oodua, Olugbon, Aresa,Onikoyi. And, you know, we’ve had alliance for a way back.
“And our relationship still exists. So this bond is very mutual and is stronger. So on that premise, that’s why he’s here also. And I really appreciate him and I thank God for this wonderful visit.”
Harping on the importance of upholding the correct version of history in the ongoing debate on leadership of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state, the monarch said, despite dynamism of history, certain facts must not be twisted.
“History is sacrosanct. Tradition is sacrosanct. Culture is sacrosanct. There is no way, whichever way you want to paint it, even though the world is dynamic today, the world is not static.
“But at the same time, our history remains an indelible part of our life. And very, very sacrosanct. I’ve told many people in many forums that Alaafin of Oyo is a stool that goes beyond Oyo State. And it cuts across Yoruba land. It is a stool that is so revered. And for us, even in Oyo State, it’s the number one, most powerful stool, which we all recognize.
“And the state government knows. You will recollect, when the governor was addressing the newly Alaafin during his coronation, he said so. He said, Alaafin’s stool, he will do all his best to make sure that the long history and culture which Alaafin wielded will remain sacrosanct and he will always protect it.
“And he said also, I quote him, he said that the stool goes beyond Oyo State and it cuts across Yoruba land and across the whole of Nigeria. So Alaafin stool is not a stool anybody would take for granted.
“The history is there from the way prior to Oyo Empire, it had been in existence. And it is a stool that we all cherish, we all embrace, and we all love. And that’s why you see us, we are always around him to protect the stool.
On the convocation of Oyo State Council of Obas and Chief, the monarch expreased optimism that the Makinde lwd government is doing its best to put the right things in place so that the Council cam have a good sail.
“Well, the government, they are working on it. I vehemently believe in Governor Seyi Makindei’s government. He’s my boss, he’s my friend, and we’ve discussed even privately on this issue.
“And he meant well. All he wants is, he wants the stool, the Council of Obas, to start working again. It has been dormant in the last many years ago.So, he meant well. So, you know, in the process of you putting things together, there will be some hiccups. And those hiccups, we’ve discussed it, and we’re working on it.
“I’m behind the government. I’m in support of whatever they are doing. And at the end of the day, we’ll get things done well, and it will come well. And I believe, before the end of Makinde’s administration, the Council of Obas will start sitting, and everybody will be happy. We all will live, we coexist peacefully, as traditional rulers”, he added.
Earlier in his remarks during the short visit, the Alaafin who was accompanied by other traditional rulers said he was paying the visit to the the Olugbon and other traditional rulers in the zone for their support and solidarity before, during and after his installation as the Alaafin.
