The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has sounded a strong warning over the growing disunity among Yoruba monarchs, cautioning that continued infighting poses a grave threat to the unity and future of the Yoruba people.
Adams raised the alarm on Thursday while addressing a large audience at the 2026 Oodua Festival, held at the historic Enuwa Palace Square in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Speaking before traditional rulers, cultural stakeholders, and members of the public, Adams lamented that persistent rivalries and open struggles for supremacy among Yoruba monarchs are gradually weakening the traditional institution.
He described the institution as a vital pillar of Yoruba identity, governance, and cohesion.
“In recent times, the level of disunity among traditional rulers in Yorubaland has become a pressing concern. I am duty-bound to sound the alarm that this ugly development threatens our cultural heritage, social cohesion and developmental prospects,” Adams declared.
Call for Unity
According to him, the situation has reached an alarming stage, urging monarchs to abandon supremacy battles that risk tearing the region apart.
“I respectfully call on all our traditional rulers to jettison these supremacy struggles. We must unite to prevent external infiltrations and safeguard our heritage,” he said.
Adams attributed the growing fragmentation within the traditional institution to political interference and personal ambition, noting that these factors have steadily eroded the collective influence and strength of Yoruba monarchs.
“We need our traditional rulers to speak with one voice for the progress of Yorubaland and the entire South-West, rather than pursuing personal aggrandisement and narrow interests,” he added.
Appeal to Elders and Leaders
The National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) also appealed to political leaders, respected elders, and prominent YorubIsa figures to urgently intervene by mediating and facilitating dialogue to resolve lingering disputes among the monarchs.
“Our Obas must embrace unity for the advancement of Yorubaland. Only through unity can we harness the region’s enormous social and economic potential,” Adams said.
He stressed that unity among Yoruba monarchs would strengthen traditional institutions while promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development across Yoruba communities.
“In conclusion, it is imperative that our monarchs prioritise unity as a foundation for peace, social development and the overall advancement of our people,” he concluded.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
