Audio Interview: Alaafin of Oyo Distances Self from Endorsing Rotational Obas’ Council Chairmanship, Maintains His Stand
The Alaafin of Oyo has distanced himself from the endorsement of a rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Alaafin’s Palace, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade said he did not endorse, support or authorise the enforcement of any rotational leadership arrangement involving the Alaafin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso.
The palace said the Alaafin did not make any categorical statement backing the implementation of such an arrangement and should not be linked to decisions or actions relating to its enforcement.
According to the statement, the position of the Alaafin and the Oyo community on the State Council of Obas and Chiefs had earlier been formally communicated to the Oyo State Government through a memorandum submitted by the Oyo Council of Elders.
Speaking later in an interview with NewsRegister, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, said the Alaafin will not join issues with anyone but would not allow his office to be portrayed as endorsing or enforcing a position he did not take.
Interview Audio Below:
He said while individuals are entitled to their opinions, the Alaafin has the right to clarify his stance whenever his name is linked to policy decisions, especially the ones he knows nothing about
The issue of the leadership and enforcement framework of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs has continued to generate debate across the state, especially with the absence of the Alaafin of Oyo at the Inauguration yesterday.