The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has expressed deep concern over the growing supremacy tussle among traditional rulers in Yorubaland, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the unity, cultural heritage, and developmental prospects of the Yoruba race.
Adams made the remarks on Thursday at the 2026 Oodua Festival held at the Enuwa Palace Square in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Speaking in his capacity as National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), he urged Yoruba monarchs to desist from actions capable of further dividing the people and weakening the traditional institution.
According to Adams, disunity among Yoruba royal fathers has reached an alarming level, fueled by political interference and personal rivalries. He warned that continued infighting undermines the collective strength and historical influence of traditional stools, which have long served as pillars of Yoruba identity, governance, and social cohesion.
“I respectfully call on all our traditional rulers to jettison the supremacy battles threatening to tear us apart. We need our Obas to speak with one voice for the progress of Yorubaland and the South-West, rather than pursuing personal interests,” Adams said.
He also challenged political leaders, elders, and leaders of thought within the Yoruba race to intervene and mediate in resolving disputes among the monarchs. According to him, unity among traditional rulers is essential for harnessing the region’s full social and economic potential.
In his address at the event, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Ojo, called on Osun indigenes in the diaspora to partner with the state government in reviving and upgrading tourist sites across the state.
Also speaking, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, who represented the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, appealed to South-West governors to support Adams’ efforts in combating criminal activities in Yorubaland.
Recent controversies among Yoruba monarchs have heightened public concern, with many fearing that continued infighting could negatively impact the social and cultural development of the region.
