Prince Kolade Afeez Siyanbola Oladigbolu, a grandson of the late Alaafin of Oyo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to abolish the recently constituted National Council of Traditional Rulers, describing it as a divisive and politically motivated establishment that undermines Nigeria’s cultural foundations.
In a strongly worded statement, Prince Oladigbolu said the creation of such a council threatens national unity by attempting to impose one traditional structure over the diverse ethnic and cultural identities across Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a multi-ethnic nation with over two hundred languages and traditions. How then can anyone justify the elevation of one tribe’s monarchy above others?” he asked.
The prince alleged that certain political figures from specific regions initiated what he called a “misguided and hypocritical agenda” for personal and political gains rather than genuine unity or national development.
“We are Oyos, descendants of Oduduwa, and custodians of the Yoruba heritage. Our language is part of the national school curriculum, and our lineage holds deep historical significance. Oduduwa was not a myth from the skies but a man born of a woman — a real historical figure who lived and died as others did,” he declared.
Prince Oladigbolu described the Oyo people as peace-loving and law-abiding citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, bound by the constitution to remain united as one nation. Yet, he maintained that the Oyo heritage remains distinct and indivisible under God.
“We owe no allegiance to any other tribe, nor do we submit our traditional hierarchy to anyone. The Alaafin represents leadership, strength, and continuity — values we cannot compromise,” he added.
The prince warned that any attempt to place the Alaafin’s throne under another traditional authority would be “a direct path to disunity and national instability.”
“You cannot merge over two hundred tribes and then attempt to place a foreign or politically favoured ruler above the Alaafin. Such distortion of cultural order is dangerous,” he cautioned.
He further criticised the composition of the National Council of Traditional Rulers, arguing that it could erode the autonomy and dignity of long-established royal institutions.
“In Yoruba land, the Alaafin is the warlord and custodian of Yoruba sovereignty. The attempt to redefine this structure through political councils is both historically and culturally misplaced,” he said.
The prince also challenged claims linking the Ooni of Ife to the direct lineage of Oduduwa, calling for historical clarity rather than assumptions.
“Oduduwa’s son, Prince Okanbi, had seven sons. Let anyone who claims descent from that line show the connection. Heritage should be based on truth, not politics,” he insisted.
Prince Oladigbolu reminded the federal government that the Alaafin’s influence dates back to the early foundations of Nigeria’s colonial unification, noting that his grandfather, Oba Siyanbola Oladigbolu, was the only Yoruba monarch who witnessed the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates.
“My grandfather was a living witness to that historic union. If this administration fails to abolish a structure that distorts such a sacred legacy, history will not be kind. The Yoruba people know how to defend their heritage,” he warned.
Concluding his remarks, the Alaafin’s grandson urged President Tinubu to prioritise fairness, unity, and respect for Nigeria’s diverse cultural systems rather than promote political bodies that risk dividing the traditional institution.
“Mr President, you have the opportunity to protect our nation’s cultural integrity. Abolish the National Council of Traditional Rulers and allow every region to preserve its traditional order in line with history, peace, and justice,” he appealed.
