Recent visit of Alaafin Oyo to Communities in Ilorin Emirate: Blatant Disrespect and Breach of Traditional Protocols, IEYDA calls for Caution

The Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA), under the leadership of its National President, Alh. Mohammed Uthman Jagunmo, humbly appeals to the Kwara State Government (led by Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq), the Oyo State Government (led by Engr. Seyi Makinde), the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, and other security agencies to urgently intervene in matters concerning peace and mutual respect.

In a statement jointly signed by the National President, Alh. Mohammed Uthman Jagunmo, and the National Publicity Secretary, Alh. Abdullahi Abdulfatahi Oloyin, and available to Trove Online Media, the Association recalls that the Alaafin of Oyo recently paid a visit to Shao and Jebba communities in the Moro Local Government Area of Ilorin Emirate without official notification or the expected approval of the Emir of Ilorin, who is the Chief Custodian and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Emirs, Obas, and Chiefs.

IEYDA views the visit of the Alaafin of Oyo to the affected communities within Ilorin Emirate without proper consultation and official endorsement from the Palace as a deliberate disregard for the highly revered personality and exalted position of the Emir of Ilorin as the Chief Custodian.

Similarly, IEYDA considers the visit of the Alaafin of Oyo to Shao and Jebba communities as an unlawful intrusion into the exclusive domains of the Emir of Ilorin without proper official approval and adherence to traditional protocols. It should be reaffirmed that the established bureaucracy and official protocols demand due process for such a glaring visit to be guaranteed.

IEYDA cannot recall when such a visit occurred within the domains of the Alaafin of Oyo by the Emir of Ilorin or any Oba without the knowledge and proper notification. Therefore, IEYDA identifies the visit of the Alaafin of Oyo to Shao and Jebba communities of Ilorin Emirate as another arbitrary attempt to provoke unnecessary misunderstanding, considering the existing fragile situation associated with the stools of the affected communities and the authority of the Emir of Ilorin.

It is, however, expedient to alert the concerned authorities to the urgent need to caution the Alaafin of Oyo to stop further actions capable of fanning the embers of discord and disunity, especially in any community of Kwara State far from his own domains or jurisdiction.

The Federal Government, Kwara State Government, Oyo State Government, and other relevant stakeholders are encouraged to respond proactively to prevent any possible escalation of misunderstanding before it develops further. The Alaafin should be properly educated about the dynamics of our peculiar customs and traditions in Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State, devoid of rancour, hatred, disrespect, and disregard for highly revered authorities.

Ilorin Emirate, its environs, and Kwara State are known for peaceful coexistence and not as a haven for undue rivalry, heightened traditional sensitivities, and approaches that without sufficient guidance, as observed in other climes. Respect is reciprocal, and the Alaafin of Oyo should mind his territory without any intrusion into alien domains.

IEYDA opts for peaceful understanding to resolve the issue urgently without any form of unease or anxiety.

The visit of the Alaafin of Oyo to Shao and Jebba communities of Ilorin Emirate, especially at a time when the Emir of Ilorin is on official vacation outside the country and amidst the celebration of his 86th Birthday Anniversary, should be considered a breach of honour and a disrespect for age long customs and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate, the Emir, and the Palace.

IEYDA, as the umbrella body representing the collective interests of the peaceful, disciplined, and progressive youths of Ilorin Emirate, reiterates its resolute commitment to peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence across the Emirate and beyond. The Association reaffirms that it has continued to counsel restraint among the youths of Ilorin Emirate, urging calm, maturity, and lawful engagement despite rising concerns. Its foremost priority remains the preservation of peace, stability, and unity within and beyond the Emirate.

IEYDA calls on all stakeholders, traditional institutions, and security agencies to act responsibly and constructively in the collective interest of enduring peace and regional harmony.