Alaafin Denies Supremacy Clash As Ibadan Leaders Raise Alarm Over Gold Mining Crisis.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has firmly debunked claims suggesting he is involved in a supremacy battle with any traditional ruler, describing a viral video alleging such as fabricated and misleading.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the palace’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch strongly refuted the assertions made in a YouTube video by Awikonko TV, branding it both “malicious and unfounded.”
Durojaiye clarified that Oba Owoade remains on cordial terms with the Ooni of Ife and other traditional rulers, and has no reason to engage in rivalry. The statement urged the public to disregard the circulating falsehoods and maintain trust in the leadership of the Alaafin, who is steadfast in promoting the development of Oyo and preserving Yoruba cultural values.
“The Alaafin is focused on unity, heritage, and progress. He is not in any contest of superiority with any monarch,” Durojaiye stated.
In a separate development, concerns are mounting in Ibadanland over an escalating boundary crisis between communities in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Iwo, Osun State. Traditional leaders, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, members of the Olubadan-In-Council, and other stakeholders, have pointed to illegal gold mining activities — rather than land disputes — as the root cause of the conflict.
Following a high-level meeting at the Bodija residence of the Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the leaders issued a statement warning of the dangerous turn the situation is taking. The statement, signed by Ladoja’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, and Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, highlighted how criminal mining operations are fuelling unrest in the Ogburo area.
“What we discovered was that the real issue behind the lingering crisis is gold mining, allegedly supported by some influential traditional rulers in Osun,” the statement revealed.
The stakeholders expressed deep concern over the destruction of lives and property, and warned that the crisis could spiral further if immediate intervention is not undertaken.
They acknowledged that the visit of the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to the troubled areas, along with the arrest of some suspects, had temporarily eased tensions. Nonetheless, they stressed the need for urgent government action to bring lasting peace.
“Unless decisive measures are taken against those inciting violence, there may be no end in sight. The state government must act swiftly to protect the people and restore order,” the leaders appealed.
As the Alaafin seeks to dispel misinformation and traditional rulers in Ibadan rally to resolve a deepening crisis, the call for unity, truth, and decisive governance rings louder across the South-West.
