The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has raised concerns over the rising trend of social media posts and blogs that create disunity among prominent Yoruba monarchs.
Speaking at the 2025 Oke-Ibadan Festival in Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Adams appealed to bloggers and online content creators to steer clear of comparisons between the revered thrones of the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo.
Adams emphasized that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, are both globally respected kings whose stools should not be subjects of divisive debate. “I’ve watched with dismay the recent comparisons about who is more senior between the Ooni and the Alaafin. These kinds of narratives only cause unnecessary tension and disrespect among our royal institutions,” he said.
He urged online media to be more responsible in their reportage, avoiding content that could incite public sentiment or sow discord among Yoruba traditional rulers.
Speaking further about the festival, Adams shed light on the cultural significance of the Oke-Ibadan Festival, which honors the ancient city of Ibadan, its founders, and the spiritual hill known as Oke Ibadan. “This event celebrates the heritage of our people. Oke Ibadan is more than just a hill; it is a symbol of strength, blessings, and history for the Ibadan people,” he explained.
He called on the Oyo State Government to develop the site into a major tourist destination, similar to Olumo Rock in Abeokuta and other culturally important sites across Yorubaland.
Guest speaker at the event, Ambassador Afolabi Olaniyi, also spoke on national security. He urged the federal government to prioritize the recruitment of more security personnel and proposed the creation of Police Universities in all six geopolitical zones.
“With over 200 million Nigerians and only about 500,000 police officers, our security system is overstretched,” he said. He emphasized that many of these officers are assigned to private operations, making it urgent to increase personnel strength to at least five million.
The festival not only spotlighted cultural heritage but also served as a platform for serious national conversations about unity and security.
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