The Isese Religious Association, Oyo, has reiterated its support for the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, while warning members of the public and bloggers against inflammatory statements capable of creating divisions among traditional institutions in Yorubaland.
The association also rejected allegations circulating on social media that Isese adherents and Sàngó worshippers in Oyo had failed to support the Alaafin and his throne.

The chairman of the Isese Worshippers Committee and Asiwaju Ask of Oyo, Chief Onifade Olanipekun, stated the association’s position during a press briefing at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo town.
Olanipekun described the allegations as misleading and a misrepresentation of the relationship between the Isese community and the traditional institution.
He said the association remained committed to preserving the dignity of the Alaafin’s throne, the cultural heritage of Oyo Kingdom and the traditional values handed down by their forebears.

“Our kings and traditional institutions represent important aspects of our history, identity, customs and collective heritage. They deserve responsible public engagement, constructive dialogue and respect, even when opinions differ,” he said.
He added that the unity of Yorubaland was a collective responsibility that should not be undermined by unverified allegations, inflammatory publications or the actions of individuals.
According to him, the Isese community’s support for the Alaafin did not begin with the recent controversy on social media but was rooted in its reverence for ancestral heritage and the historical significance of the throne.
“The Isese community and Sàngó worshippers in Oyo wish to state unequivocally that our support for the Alaafin’s throne did not begin today. Our commitment to this traditional institution has been evident since the installation of His Imperial Majesty as the Alaafin of Oyo,” Olanipekun said.

He maintained that the throne held profound historical and spiritual significance and that preserving its dignity was inseparable from safeguarding the identity, customs and traditions of Oyo Kingdom for present and future generations.
The association’s chairman stressed that support for traditional institutions should not be measured solely by social media comments, online confrontations or exchanges of insults.
He said genuine commitment was demonstrated through responsible conduct, constructive engagement, cultural preservation, peaceful advocacy and practical efforts to protect the values represented by traditional institutions.
Olanipekun also cautioned against using the name of the Isese religion to insult traditional rulers, provoke division or undermine the cultural institutions of Yorubaland.

He urged the public to distinguish between the conduct of individuals and the official position of the Isese community in Oyo, noting that statements made by individuals on social media should not automatically be attributed to the entire community.
He also appealed to Isese adherents, regardless of their state or place of residence, to exercise restraint and show respect when expressing opinions about the Alaafin, other traditional rulers and the cultural institutions of Yorubaland.
“Promoting Isese requires knowledge, integrity, responsibility and respect for our collective heritage. No individual should use the name of our religion to create unnecessary hostility or mislead the public about the position of the Isese community in Oyo,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director of Administration to the Alaafin, Prince Adesola Sanda, who represented the monarch, called for unity, understanding and mutual respect among traditional religious associations.
Sanda said the Isese philosophy promoted the concept of Omoluabi, which emphasised good character, integrity and respect.