By Afolabi Ayodele

In a swift and decisive response to the recent call by the so-called Yoruba Muslims for Freedom (YMF) for the arrest of the Alaafin of Oyo, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho Oṣa, has sounded a strong warning against this blatant act of disrespect towards Yoruba traditional institutions. Through his spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho strongly condemned the group’s reckless statements, emphasizing that such demands undermine the sacred cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and threaten the unity of the land.

Traditional Institutions and the Yoruba Identity

The Yoruba people have, for centuries, upheld a deep respect for their traditional rulers, who serve not only as cultural icons but also as custodians of the land’s values and traditions. The Alaafin of Oyo is one of the most revered monarchs in Yoruba history, and any attempt to discredit or disrespect his authority is an affront to the Yoruba identity itself.

Chief Sunday Igboho,  reminded the public that traditional rulers have always played a crucial role in maintaining order, resolving conflicts, and ensuring the prosperity of their communities. He stated:
“The call for the arrest of the Alaafin is a direct attack on Yoruba culture, history, and heritage. Our kings are the protectors of our land, and no outsider or group will be allowed to insult or diminish their role.”

Yoruba Unity vs. Religious Extremism

Sunday Igboho, through his spokesman, also condemned the divisive rhetoric used by the group, which portrayed Yoruba traditional rulers as “idol worshippers” unworthy of respect. He warned that such statements are dangerous and could fuel unnecessary religious conflict among the Yoruba people.

The Yoruba have always been known for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Islam, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs have flourished side by side for centuries. However, extremists seeking to sow division by pitting one religion against another threaten this harmony.

Igboho stated:
“It is unacceptable for any group to claim that our Obas are not their leaders because of religious differences. Yoruba land is built on respect and unity, not on religious supremacy. Any attempt to divide us along religious lines will be resisted.”

Alaafin’s Right to Protect His People

The YMF accused the Alaafin of Oyo of unlawfully imposing a curfew, claiming that only a civil government has the power to do so. However, this argument ignores the historical and cultural role of Yoruba monarchs as protectors of their people.

In times of crisis, Yoruba kings have the responsibility to make decisions that ensure the safety of their communities. The Alaafin’s decision to impose a curfew was likely driven by a need to maintain order and protect lives, rather than any unconstitutional power grab.

Sunday Igboho, speaking through Olayomi Koiki, emphasized this point, warning that undermining the authority of Yoruba kings would lead to lawlessness:

“If our kings lose their authority, who will defend our land? Who will protect our people? Those calling for the arrest of the Alaafin are enemies of Yoruba land, and they will not succeed in their mission to destroy our culture and leadership.”

Rejecting the Attempt to Destroy Yoruba Heritage

Sunday Igboho, made it clear that Yoruba people will not sit back and watch their traditional rulers be disrespected by groups with hidden agendas. He called on all Yoruba sons and daughters regardless of religious affiliation to reject such divisive attempts and stand in unity to protect their heritage.

SHe concluded with a strong warning:
“Let it be known that no one will be allowed to insult or threaten our Obas without consequences. The Yoruba people have always defended their culture, and we will not allow any group to erode our values in the name of religious fanaticism.”

The Yoruba Nation must remain vigilant against those seeking to dismantle its cultural institutions under the guise of modernity or religious superiority. Any attack on the Alaafin is an attack on Yoruba land itself and it will be resisted.
Dr. Chief Sunday Adeyemo
Through his Spokesman,
Olayomi Koiki
8 March, 2025