The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged traditional rulers across the region to put an end to supremacy disputes, warning that such struggles pose serious risks and could further divide the Yoruba people.
Adams made the appeal at the 2026 Oodua Festival held in Ile-Ife, where he voiced concern over growing disunity among Yoruba monarchs, noting that the situation threatens cultural values, social harmony, and long-term development in the region.
He attributed the lingering divisions among traditional stools to political interference and personal rivalries, stressing that these factors weaken the collective authority of traditional institutions, which have historically played a central role in Yoruba identity and governance.
“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 the future of our people,” Adams stated.
He called on monarchs to shelve supremacy battles and close ranks against external interference, emphasizing that unity is critical to effectively championing the collective interests of Yorubaland and the South-West.
“This fragmentation is detrimental. We must work together for the progress of our people instead of pursuing personal agendas,” he said.
Adams also appealed to political leaders, elders, and prominent figures in Yorubaland to intervene and reconcile aggrieved traditional rulers. “Our Obas must embrace unity for the advancement of Yorubaland. This is essential for harnessing the region’s potential for social and economic development,” he added.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Ojo, used the occasion to solicit support from Nigerians in the diaspora toward the redevelopment of tourism assets in the state.
“The government cannot do it alone. We have many tourist centers in Osun State, and we invite our people in the diaspora to assist us in upgrading these sites,” Ojo said.
Also speaking, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, who stood in for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, called on governors in the South-West to back Gani Adams’ initiatives aimed at the emancipation of Yorubaland.
He underscored the need for unity and strategic thinking in advancing Yoruba interests, noting, “We need to use wisdom in our fight for Yoruba freedom, not weapons. Gani Adams embodies this wisdom,” he said.
