By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams has appealed to bloggers, content creators and social media users not to publish content that is capable of creating disunity among traditional rulers and the respected traditional institutions in the region.
Apparently reacting to social media frenzy on seniority between two foremost Yoruba traditional rulers, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife, the Yoruba generalissimo said bloggers must ensure adequate measures in their reportage while also exercising caution in developing content for their various platforms, without heating up the polity.
He spoke in an address at the Oke ‘Badan Festival 2025, held at the Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State capital city.
Adams who is the Chief Promoter, Olokun Festival Foundation and Convener, Oodua Progressive Union Worldwide noted that he has watched with dismay what he described as ‘unnecessary comparison’ between the Alaafin of Oyo’s stool and that of the Ooni of Ife, with respect to which one is senior to the other.
He said, “I have watched with dismay the recent unnecessary comparison being drawn between the Alaafin of Oyo’s stool and that of the Ooni of Ife, with respect to which one is senior to the other by bloggers and some online media platforms.
“Let me reiterate that both traditional stools and the revered royal imperial majesties occupying them are two main prominent Obas in Yorubaland and globally.
“I specially appeal to bloggers across the region and in the country not to publish content that is capable of creating disunity among our traditional rulers and the respected traditional institutions.
“I plead with you all to be measured in your reportage and be cautious in developing content for your various platforms, without heating up the polity.”
Speaking on the import of the festival, Adams said “The Oke-Ibadan festival is a yearly celebration that honours the founding of Ibadan, the Aboke and the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
“It is a cultural and traditional festival where the Ibadan people pay respect to their ancestors, reiterate their cultural values, and promote unity.
“The name “Oke-Ibadan” translates to “Hill of Ibadan,” referring to the original settlement site on a hill where the city was formed in the 18th century. Though there are various accounts of the origin of ‘Oke Ibadan’ but there is a common agreement with the resolution that Lagelu: Oro Apata-Maja, who was the founder of Ibadan, was the one that established Oke Ibadan festival.
“The Oke-Ibadan festival serves as a reminder of the historical antecedents of Ibadan people and the legacy of their founders. The festival involves honouring the goddess of the hill and acknowledging the role of the founding fathers of Ibadan.
“Oke Ibadan is a very formidable rock, an highly historical rock to the Ibadan people, and it played a lot of roles when Ibadan was going to different wars in the olden days. Ibadan people refer to the rock as a giver of children, wealth and so many good things.”
He enjoined the Oyo state government implore to do everything within its power to make the rock a tourist destination, by giving awareness about its importance.
He urged the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism to ensure that the rock is reflected as one of the rocks with immense tourist potentials in Yorubaland, just like Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Oke Idanre in Ondo, Oke Erinmo in Ilesa, Oke Asabari in Saki, Oke Iyake in Ado-Awaye, Oke Agelu in Oyo State and many other rocks across the region, which he said clerics have now turned to spiritual destinations.
In his lecture at the event, the guest lecturer, Ambassador. Afolabi Olaniyi, speaking on the topic: “Adequate security, a tool for development”, urged the Federal Government to recruit the service of more security operatives, noting that the protection of life and property is the primary duty of any government.
He also called tor the establishment of Police University across the six geo political zones, saying, “you need to know the population of the country in order to organize for adequate security. Now Nigeria is said to be having over two hundred million citizens with about five hundred thousand police officers.
“With this figure, you will see that we don’t have enough police officers to protect us because out of five hundred thousand, commercial banks and important personalities will also take security operative for their operations. Nigeria needs at least five million police officers.
“Let me use this opportunity to ask Federal Government to recruit more police officers. Also we need Police University across the six geo political zones.”
The event was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, among other participants.
