The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has raised the alarm over increasing disunity among Yoruba monarchs, warning that personal rivalries and supremacy battles are threatening the social, cultural, and economic progress of the region.
Speaking on Thursday during the 2026 Oodua Festival at Enuwa Palace Square, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Adams urged traditional rulers to set aside differences and focus on the collective welfare of the Yoruba people.
“In recent times, the level of disunity among traditional rulers in Yorubaland has become a pressing concern. This ugly development threatens our cultural heritage, social cohesion, and developmental prospects,” Adams said. “I respectfully call on all traditional rulers to jettison supremacy battles and speak with one voice for the progress of Yorubaland and the Southwest region, rather than pursuing personal aggrandisement.”
He added that political interference and personal rivalries had fragmented traditional stools, weakening the influence of monarchs, historically a pillar of Yoruba identity and governance. Adams called on political leaders, elders, and thought leaders to mediate and restore harmony among the Obas.
“Our Obas must embrace unity for the advancement of Yorubaland. This is essential if we are to harness the region’s potential for social and economic development,” he said.
In his remarks, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Abiodun Ojo, urged indigenes in the diaspora to collaborate with the government in developing tourist sites across the state. “The government cannot do it alone. We are calling on our people abroad to join hands in upgrading these centres,” Ojo said.
Oba Idowu Adediwura, the Obalufe of Ife, speaking on behalf of Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also appealed to Southwest governors to support Adams’ efforts to rid Yorubaland of criminal elements.
Recent controversies, including the public feud between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo over a chieftaincy title, have heightened concerns about the impact of royal infighting on the social and cultural development of the Yoruba people.
Adams stressed that unity among Yoruba monarchs is a foundational strategy for peace, social development, and the advancement of the region.
