Alaafin, Olugbon explore ways to advance Oyo, Yorubaland
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, on Sunday, met in Oyo town to discuss ways of strengthening the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, as well as the broader traditional council across Yorubaland.
Alao revealed this during an interview with the journalists shortly after he visited the private residence of the Alaafin in the Boroboro area in Oyo town.
Alao, who is also Vice-Chairman of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs, explained that his visit was based on the progress of the council, State Government and the state in general.
He said, “We are happy to go with the new Alaafin of Oyo. A new development concerning the state Council of Obas and Chiefs is part of our discussions. We discussed issues that are progressive to the State Government, to the state Obas Traditional Council, to the entire Yorubaland and to the entire Yorubaland Traditional Council.
“You know when you see me, already you are seeing my Governor, Seyi Makinde. We always work together. And whatever we do will be of progress to the state. I can tell you authoritatively we discussed how the state Obas’ council and the entire Yorubaland Traditional Council will move forward.”
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The monarch urged the traditional rulers to always think of the progress of their subjects and the entire region, saying there is a need to have synergy with government for the development of their domains.
He added, “There is no way we (traditional rulers) can do anything on our own. We must have a synergy with the government, and we are doing that. These are parts of the things we share in common, and I know for sure that we have a new leader, a new era to move the state Obas’ council forward and to move the state as a whole forward.
“Due to our past relationship.Traditionally, culturally, historically; Olugbon, Aresa and Onikoyi, we see Alaafin as our affiliation, as our tide. We have a very long bond from the days of Oyo empire till date.
“I will tell you frankly that God almighty has chosen a befitting Alaafin for Yorubaland. In fact, we are blessed with this new Alaafin. He is very cerebral, he is a man of wisdom. He chooses his words carefully. He has personality, and he is equipped academically.
“So, we are blessed. And I believe that the government has done the right thing. So, I will say kudos to the governor. He has installed prominent kings in this state, but the one of this Alaafin is extraordinary and he has done it excellently.”
