Shockwaves are reverberating across Yorùbáland and the global Yorùbá diaspora following the sudden death of the Baba Ọba (King’s Father) of the famed Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. The late Baba Ọba, Lukman Arohunfale, a revered socialite and traditionalist, passed away under circumstances already sparking fierce controversy. His death comes just days after he publicly accused the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Adéyẹmọ Owoade, of allegedly ordering his courtiers to beat him mercilessly during a recent courtesy visit to the Oyo palace in Nigeria. In a widely circulated voice recording, the deceased recounted how what was meant to be a simple homage turned violent. Although the Baba Ọba had reportedly battled ill health in the past year, growing insinuations suggest that the alleged physical assault may have aggravated his condition, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The palace in Oyo recently denied that s...
The new Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, was crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri at Ode-Itsekiri, Isekiri’s ancestral home, in pomp and grandeur.
Before ascending the throne, the 37-year-old worked in a government petroleum company and the private sector.
During the coronation and thanksgiving service at the palace chapel the next day, comments made by two dignitaries caught the attention of guests.
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, spoke on behalf of traditional rulers in his capacity as the co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NYCN).
Welcoming the Olu into the fold, the Ojaja II said the NYCN and the Oduduwa race were excited about his emergence.
We are all very delighted to welcome you on board as one of our brother kings. I want to appeal to you, you are the father of the entire Itsekiri Kingdom now.
You are the father to the good and the bad. You have to embrace the entire kingdom of Warri and extend a hand of fellowship to all. Make sure your leadership is a fatherly leadership”, the Ooni said.
In his remark, former President Olusegun Obasanjo urged the Olu to unite his people, seek elders’ counsel and stay close to God.
You must diligently perform the task God has entrusted to you as this position was given to you by God.”
Obasanjo told the Olu of Warri to always remember that “His Majesty” carries a lot of responsibilities.
The Ogun-born retired General made headlines for kneeling before the monarch.
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