How I Reunited Warring Oyo Groups – Alaafin

alaafinThe Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, has said harmonisation of traditional values and modern governance will improve conflict resolution.

Oba Adeyemi said this became imperative because socio-cultural norms embedded in traditional institutions had remained an integral part of the people.

He made this known yesterday at the inauguration of some buildings, central mosque and event centre built by the family of his predecessor, Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu.

The monarch recalled how the ancient town of Oyo was polarised into two opposing camps as a result of religious and political upheavals before he ascended the throne as the first literate monarch.

His words: “During this turbulent period, harmony, mutual trust and fraternity completely broke down. Violence, acts of terror and hooliganism equally took the centre stage.

“After my installation in 1971, I called some men who were on the two sides of the political and religious divides. These patriotic men, some of who had died, answered my call and the turbulence not only stopped, the polarisation ceased and the town was re-united”.

Extolling the virtues of the late Oba Ladigbolu, who reigned between 1956 and 1968, Oba Adeyemi said were it not for his predecessor’s pro-activeness, he would never have ascended the throne as Alaafin of Oyo.