Prince Kolade Afeez Siyanbola Oladigbolu, a grandson of the late Alaafin of Oyo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to abolish the recently constituted National Council of Traditional Rulers, describing it as divisive and politically motivated.
In a statement, Prince Oladigbolu said the council threatens national unity by attempting to impose a single traditional structure over Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural identities.
“Nigeria is a multi-ethnic nation with over two hundred languages and traditions. How then can anyone justify the elevation of one tribe’s monarchy above others?” he asked.
He alleged that some political figures initiated what he called a “misguided and hypocritical agenda” for personal gain rather than national development.
“We are Oyos, descendants of Oduduwa, and custodians of the Yoruba heritage. Our lineage holds deep historical significance. Oduduwa was not a myth but a real historical figure who lived and died as others did,” he stated.
Prince Oladigbolu described the Oyo people as peace-loving and law-abiding citizens bound by the Nigerian Constitution, but emphasised that their heritage remains distinct and indivisible.
“We owe no allegiance to any other tribe, nor do we submit our traditional hierarchy to anyone. The Alaafin represents leadership, strength, and continuity — values we cannot compromise,” he said.
He warned that any attempt to place the Alaafin’s throne under another traditional authority would lead to disunity and instability.
“You cannot merge over two hundred tribes and then attempt to place a politically favoured ruler above the Alaafin. Such distortion of cultural order is dangerous,” he cautioned.
The prince also faulted the composition of the new council, arguing that it could erode the autonomy and dignity of established royal institutions.
“In Yorubaland, the Alaafin is the warlord and custodian of Yoruba sovereignty. Redefining this structure through political councils is both historically and culturally misplaced,” he said.
Prince Oladigbolu called for historical clarity over claims linking of the Ooni of Ife to the direct lineage of Oduduwa.
“Oduduwa’s son, Prince Okanbi, had seven sons. Let anyone who claims descent from that line show the connection. Heritage should be based on truth, not politics,” he insisted.
He recalled that his grandfather, Oba Siyanbola Oladigbolu, was the only Yoruba monarch who witnessed the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates, describing the Alaafin’s throne as central to Nigeria’s historical foundation.
“My grandfather was a living witness to that historic union. If this administration fails to abolish a structure that distorts such a sacred legacy, history will not be kind,” he warned.
Prince Oladigbolu urged President Tinubu to prioritise fairness, unity, and respect for Nigeria’s diverse cultural systems.
“Mr President, you have the opportunity to protect our nation’s cultural integrity. Abolish the National Council of Traditional Rulers and allow every region to preserve its traditional order in line with history, peace, and justice,” he appealed.
