‎Tinubu’s Aide To Alaafin: “Oyo Empire Era Is Over, Embrace Modern Collaboration”

‎Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has addressed the ongoing debate regarding the leadership dynamics of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. He emphasized the need for traditional rulers to adapt to contemporary governance realities, advocating for collaboration instead of competition to foster unity and development.

‎In a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday night, Ajayi underscored that the era of territorial dominance among Yoruba monarchies has long since passed, drawing parallels to the fall of once-mighty colonial empires. He pointed out that the prevailing mindset must shift toward cooperation rather than seeking supremacy within the royal hierarchy.

‎“We are no longer in the era of the Oyo Empire. Just as Rome and the United Kingdom, which once exerted control over vast regions, can no longer claim sovereignty over their former colonies, times have dramatically changed. We are now living in a new world,” Ajayi wrote.

‎He highlighted that the traditional narrative of the Oyo Empire belongs to history, explaining that the entirety of Yorubaland was never solely under the jurisdiction of the Alaafin of Oyo. Ajayi urged current rulers to comprehend their roles in modern society to ensure the effective functioning of their communities.

‎“The Oyo Empire is a thing of the past. The entirety of Yorubaland has never been governed solely by the Alaafin. For the society to thrive, it is essential that today’s traditional rulers understand their responsibilities in contemporary governance,” he counseled.

‎Ajayi further called for unity among Yoruba kings, asserting that their collective efforts are crucial for maintaining peace and driving development within their communities.

‎“Our kings must focus on working together to uphold peace, unity, and development while simultaneously preserving our rich cultural heritage,” he advised.

‎This discussion comes in the wake of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent inauguration of the new Council of Obas and Chiefs, which appointed Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, as the inaugural chairman for a two-year term under a rotational leadership system involving the Alaafin, Olubadan, and Soun of Ogbomosoland.

‎Governor Makinde reported that he consulted with all three monarchs prior to finalizing this arrangement, and each endorsed the plan to rotate the council’s leadership. However, tensions emerged when the Alaafin of Oyo, who was absent during the inauguration, issued a subsequent statement denying any consultation or agreement regarding the rotation, raising concerns about the implications of such a confrontational stance towards the Oyo State Government.

‎Ajayi’s remarks aim not only to provide guidance for traditional rulers but also to encourage a harmonious relationship between the monarchy and government as they seek to serve the people of Oyo State effectively.