Prominent indigenes and stakeholders in the ancient town have called on the newly installed monarch, Oba Akeem Owoade, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, to prioritize resolving long-standing land disputes between Oyo and Afijio Local Government Areas, disputes that have recently escalated into violent clashes.
The official installation of Oba Owoade, held at Olivet Baptist School, Oyo, was presided over by Governor Seyi Makinde, who presented the staff of office to the new Alaafin on Saturday.
The ceremony marked the beginning of a reign that many hope will bring stability and renewed progress to the kingdom.
Among those voicing concerns was Mr. Mukaila Afonja, the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, who highlighted the growing tensions over land ownership in areas like Ilora and Awe.
He linked the surge in violence to the leadership vacuum left by the death of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
“There are places in Oyo and Afijio where land disputes have turned violent, with people wielding weapons. We believe the new Alaafin can bring the warring parties together to restore peace,” Afonja told The PUNCH.
In agreement, former lawmaker Muideen Olagunju encouraged the monarch to approach the matter with a mix of firmness and diplomacy, while fostering collaboration with traditional rulers from Afijio.
“He should declare a state of emergency on land issues along the Awe and Ilora corridors and work closely with other monarchs to achieve lasting peace,” Olagunju advised.
Community elder Adebayo Olawoyin emphasized the need for harmony among different faiths, along with strategies to keep the youth meaningfully engaged to curb rising insecurity.
“The new Alaafin should ensure religious harmony and work towards creating jobs for youths to reduce criminal activity and insecurity in the town,” he stated.
Several lawmakers and past political representatives also weighed in, urging the new Alaafin to focus on unity, development, and preservation of cultural identity.
Olorunpoto Rahaman, who represents Oyo East/Oyo West in the Oyo State House of Assembly, underscored the importance of youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation.
“The Alaafin’s role as a cultural custodian must go hand-in-hand with advocacy for economic growth, infrastructure, and education,” Rahaman noted.
Echoing this sentiment, former legislator Isiaka Tunde described the monarch as a vital voice for the Yoruba people in national affairs.
“The Alaafin must actively advocate for Yoruba rights and ensure the community’s voice is heard in national discussions,” Tunde added, while also urging the monarch to lead a cultural revival and encourage local enterprise.
As Oba Akeem Owoade begins his reign, expectations are high. The people of Oyo look to him for leadership that will usher in peace, progress, and a reawakening of the kingdom’s storied heritage.
