The United States chapter of Afenifere has called for calm, unity, and dialogue following recent events involving prominent traditional rulers in Southwest Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Sunday, signed by the President, Dr. Akindutire Odimayọ̀ Durojaye, the group expressed concern over the increasing public debate and reactions surrounding issues involving key Yoruba monarchs.

It noted that while disagreements can occur in any human institution, the tone of public commentary in recent days calls for reflection, restraint, and a shared sense of responsibility.

The group recalled that on October 24, 2025, during the 90th birthday celebration of Sir Kessington Adebutu at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, a peace meeting was held between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo. According to the statement, this intervention was widely welcomed as a reaffirmation of unity and dialogue within Yorubaland.

However, it noted that subsequent developments, particularly reports from an interfaith gathering held on January 12, 2026, at the Secretariat Grand Space in Agodi, Ibadan, have generated renewed public commentary. The event, attended by the Alaafin and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, drew attention after media reports of an alleged handshake incident triggered intense reactions.

Afenifere stated that, despite differing interpretations of the incident, public discourse should not undermine the dignity of traditional rulers or weaken the sanctity of Yoruba traditional institutions.

The group also mentioned the ongoing legal dispute between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Oyo State Government concerning the elevation of certain high chiefs to beaded-crown status. It warned that the exchanges and narratives surrounding the issue have fostered perceptions of division within the Yoruba traditional system.

While expressing confidence that the matter would be resolved through lawful and peaceful processes aligned with democratic principles and Yoruba traditions of consultation and consensus, the organisation emphasised the importance of responsible public commentary.

It urged traditional rulers to advise their supporters, both at home and in the diaspora, to avoid inflammatory remarks or distortions, particularly on social media. The group also encouraged royal fathers to remain measured in public statements and actions in recognition of the historic dignity attached to their offices.

The chapter further appealed for continued dialogue among all concerned parties, noting that respected Yoruba elders such as Chief Reuben Fasoranti and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, alongside other eminent statesmen and scholars, could provide guidance toward reconciliation.

Afenifere emphasised that traditional institutions remain vital pillars of identity, continuity and moral authority in Yorubaland and deserve collective protection.

It expressed confidence that Yorubaland, which has historically resolved internal differences through wisdom, patience and dialogue, would once again find a peaceful path to unity.

He said: “We respectfully urge our royal fathers to counsel their supporters, sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory commentary or distortions, particularly on social media. In the same spirit, we humbly encourage all custodians of our thrones to remain measured in public expressions and actions, mindful always of the historic dignity attached to their exalted offices.

“With humility and deep respect, the Afenifere U.S. Chapter appeals for continued dialogue among all concerned parties. We believe that the steady counsel of distinguished Yoruba elders, including Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Olusegun Obasanjo, among other eminent statesmen and scholars, can provide valuable guidance toward reconciliation where necessary.

“Our traditional institutions remain pillars of identity, continuity, and moral authority in Yorubaland, and they deserve collective protection.

“Yorubaland has, throughout history, demonstrated a remarkable capacity to resolve differences through wisdom, patience, and dialogue.” (The Guardian)

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