Farotimi, Babalola, Ooni and the dawn of tribal unity
On Monday, January 27, 2025, headlines across newspapers and social media platforms were flooded with the news of the timely intervention of Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, who led other traditional rulers to step in to mediate between two illustrious sons of Yorubaland: the renowned legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, and Comrade Dele Farotimi, a passionate lawyer and activist.
The intervention came in the wake of allegations of criminal defamation levelled against Comrade Farotimi by Chief Afe Babalola over statements in Farotimi’s newly published book. Recognising the potential for discord within the Yoruba race, Ooni Ogunwusi’s decisive action exemplified his role as a peacemaker, working to foster unity and reconciliation among his people.
This remarkable gesture serves as a reminder of the Ooni’s long-standing position as the unifying voice of the Yoruba race and a custodian of peace. As a typical Yoruba descendant, one cannot but reflect on the historical significance of the Ooni’s throne as a symbol of unity, alongside the personal and peaceful rallying attributes of Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
Historically, the stool of the Ooni of Ife has played a critical role in resolving disputes and uniting Yoruba land. An example of this can be traced back to the reign of Ooni Adelekan Olubuse I, who ruled during the colonial era of 1903.
At that time, a territorial dispute erupted between the Akarigbo of Remo and the Alara of Epe, threatening to escalate into a full-scale war. When the colonial government sought to mediate, they were informed by the warring parties that only the Arole Oduduwa, held the authority to resolve the matter.
However, according to tradition, the Ooni was forbidden from leaving his palace.
Realising the gravity of the situation, the colonial administrators visited Ooni Adelekan Olubuse I and appealed to him, saying, “Your subjects are on the brink of war, yet tradition keeps you confined. Will you remain here while your people destroy themselves? What, then, is the essence of your authority as the Arole Oduduwa?”
Moved by their plea, Ooni Adelekan Olubuse I performed the necessary traditional rites to step out of the palace and mediate. At the meeting, he pronounced that regardless of the perceived influence or size of the Akarigbo’s throne, the Akarigbo was, and would always remain, the leader of all the Remo people. His decision not only prevented bloodshed but also established a lasting precedent for resolving disputes in Yorubaland. This is why, to this day, the Yoruba saying goes: “Bi o ti le wu ki Akarigbo keremo, owun ni olori Remo.” (No matter how small the Akarigbo may seem, he remains the head of all Remo).
Without mincing words, Who would forget the pragmatic and powerful governor of the defunct Western Region and then paramount ruler of Ile-Ife, Sir, Adesoji Aderemi, in the aspect of unifying the Yoruba-speaking states?
Another example of the Ooni’s role as a unifying force occurred in 2016 when Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II kickstarted his unifying and peaceful crusade to visit kings in Yorubaland without saying he is the Arole Oduduwa, particularly when he visited the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. This historic visit marked the end of a centuries-long rivalry between the two thrones, which had historically divided Yorubaland.
Ooni Ogunwusi, recognising the need for collaboration and peace in modern times, made the unprecedented journey to Oyo Town in the bid to visit Alaafin. The move was not only a gesture of reconciliation but also a demonstration of the Ooni’s vision for unity and progress among the Yoruba people. The Alaafin warmly received him, signalling a new era of cooperation between the two thrones, which has since served as a model for other traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
These historical and contemporary examples highlight the critical role traditional rulers, particularly the Ooni of Ife, play in maintaining peace, unity, and order among their people. As custodians of culture and tradition, they remain the closest to the grassroots and possess the unique ability to address the concerns of their subjects directly.
It is high time the government recognised the importance of traditional rulers, not just ceremonially but constitutionally. Beyond symbolic gestures, traditional leaders must be given more defined roles in the governance of the nation.
Unlike politicians who often prioritise the interests of their party faithfuls, traditional rulers are deeply rooted in their communities and understand the needs of their people at the grassroots level. Entrusting them with constitutional roles in dispute resolution, community development, and the equitable distribution of the dividends of democracy would ensure that the benefits of governance truly reach ordinary citizens.
Traditional rulers, such as the Ooni of Ife, have consistently demonstrated their capacity for leadership and unity. From resolving disputes to healing age-old rivalries, they have proven to be indispensable in fostering harmony and progress. Empowering them constitutionally would not only strengthen the social fabric of the nation but also ensure that no one is left behind in the quest for national development.
The Ooni’s recent intervention between Aare Afe Babalola and Comrade Dele Farotimi is another testament to his enduring legacy as a unifier and peacemaker. Like his predecessors, Ooni Ogunwusi continues to uphold the values of the throne, bridging divides and inspiring collective progress for the Yoruba race.
His Majesty’s leadership reminds us that Yorubaland’s strength lies in its unity and that true authority is demonstrated through reconciliation and peacebuilding. From historical acts of mediation to contemporary interventions, the Ooni of Ife remains the symbol of a brighter, united dawn for the Yoruba race.
Oketooto, the Personal Assistant to the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, writes from Ile-Ife, Osun State
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