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 traditional ruler confirmed the development on Saturday to PUNCH, adding that the suspension was announced during the traditional rulers' meeting on Friday. The Olu of Owode in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government of Ogun State, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, has been slammed with a two-month suspension for decorating a popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate. The traditional ruler confirmed the development on Saturday to PUNCH, adding that the suspension was announced during the traditional rulers' meeting on Friday. He was suspended for two months without salaries by the Egba Traditional Council over alleged abuse of naira notes. “They said the suspension was due to the way I spent money on one musician,” he said. He continued, “And when I was asked if I had anything to say, I stood up and apologised for whatever I had done wrong and the suspension which was earlier announced to be for three months without salaries was reduced to t...