By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Vice-chairman, Oyo state Council of Obas and Chiefs and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Olushola Alao on Sunday paid a royal visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade on the need to promote unity and cohesion among traditional rulers in the state.
Oba Alao was accompanied by his wife on the visit. They were received at the Boroboro residence of the Alaafin in Oyo town where they also pay homage to him.
During the visit, the two foremost traditional rulers had a closed door meeting which lasted for some minutes.
Briefing newsmen shortly after the meeting, Oba Alao explained that the visit was centered on the need for synergy among the traditional rulers in the state.
He described the enthronement of Oba Owoade as a dawn of new era, noting that his enthronement would strengthen unity among the members of Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state.
He said, “At the closed door meeting, we discussed the issues that are progressive to Oyo state, the government and the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
“We are blessed to have Oba Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. He is a man of wisdom. He chooses his words carefully. He has the personality as well equipped academically. So we are blessed.
“I will say kudos to the Executive Governor of Oyo state, Engr Seyi Makinde’. He is a wonderful and successful governor of the state.
“He has installed some prominent kings in the state. This Alaafin is extra ordinary. He has done it in excellent way. With the installation of Alaafin, there will be new development in the Council of Obas and Chiefs.
“We (0bas) will work together with the Governor. Our decision as traditional rulers will be for the progress and development of Oyo state.
“There is no way, as traditional rulers can do anything on our own. There must be synergy with the government. This formed part of our private discussion”
Oba Alao also said during the visit the duo resolved on the needs to further showcase the Yoruba culture and tradition to the rest of the world while recognizing the importance of the unity among the Obas in the Southwest region.
Corenews reports that members of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs have been at loggerhead over the rotation of the chairmanship position for some years.
The immediate past Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had approached the Court to seek a redress on the matter. The matter was yet to be resolved before he joined his ancestors and as such the seat of the Chairman has remained vacant for several years till date.
