Prominent Yoruba monarchs refused to comment over the superiority clash between the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona and the Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo at the weekend.

Most of the traditional rulers, who The Guardian correspondent spoke to called for restraints and urged sober reflections and prayers, rather than conflicts.

The Olugbo of Ugboland, who is the Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee of the Yoruba Traditional Rulers, Oba Frederick Akinrutan, declined to comment on the supremacy battle, but would rather seek ways of ending the feud.

One of his aides, who spoke to The Guardian said, “Kabiyesi will not want to comment on the issue right now. As the reconciliation committee chairman, he would not like to be dragged into a problem he is likely going to resolve.”

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who allegedly ranked the Yoruba monarchs, refused to make further statement on the matter when this correspondent contacted his palace.

According to palace sources, he will issue a statement in due course on the matter.
“The Alake, at this point in time, will rather refrain from making any statement on the matter. But people can be rest assured that he will issue a statement on the matter in due course. The statement would address all your questions, I assure you,” said the palace source.

From the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s court, there were also indications that “he would react on the controversy soon. The source said he is actually taking his time to do so at the moment.”

He was alleged to have visited the Federal Government Archives in Ibadan a few days ago “in his usual meticulous method, to be able to articulate his position very well on the issue.

The foremost Yoruba traditional ruler was also said to have met with obas from the Oyo province area, with the supremacy battle, said to be one of the subject of discussion at the meeting.

His media aide, Bode Durojaiye told The Guardian that the Alaafin would not speak on the matter at this moment, but would do so at the appropriate time.
“Alaafin does not want to join issues with anybody for now. Others have been speaking, but ‘Iku baba Yeye’ (supreme being), will address the issue in due course. For now, he doesn’t want to say anything.”

Another top Yoruba traditional ruler, who also refused to comment on the issue was the paramount ruler of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.

He however, appealed to all that this period calls for sober reflections and prayers, rather than conflicts that would do nobody any good.

In his words, Oba Aromolaran said, “I will like to remain silent for now, because silence at this moment is golden. I will pass my comment at a later date. What I know is that this is not the right time to be encouraging feud among traditional institutions. A smart person doesn’t fight openly.
“The country presently requires prayers of the traditional institutions, things are rough and tough for the people,” he said.