Ismail Bukola Ladigbolu, one of the leading candidates for the Alaafin of Oyo throne, has urged his relatives in the Agunloye Ruling House to band together and back Oba Akeem Owoade, the recently crowned king, in order to advance and improve the historic metropolis.
Oba Owoade, the 45th Alaafin-designate, was chosen and appointed, and immediately after his announcement by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the presentation of the Staff of Office, he was met with threats, protests, and lawsuit.
Ladigbolu called on the Agunloye family to unite for the town’s peace in a statement released Friday in the state capital of Ibadan.
He said, “If we all believe that the installation of Oba Owoade is for the progress and development of Oyo town and its surroundings, why not accept him as our brother from the same Agunloye family, unless anyone has ulterior motives behind the rejection?
“The seed of unity among the Agunloye families was planted by our forefathers, such that Muslims and Christians among us lived as brothers, disregarding each other’s faith.
“When we were younger, we used to visit Agure Compound to celebrate Christmas and New Year with our Christian brothers and sisters. The children of the Owoade family would also join us to celebrate Ileya Festival. The spirit of brotherhood was instilled in us by our fathers.
“Baba Bola Owoade would always host all children from the extended Agunloye family on New Year’s Day. Our fathers made sure that the children paired up as friends, from the eldest to the youngest, like Desile Owoade, their youngest, and I. We related as one family under the Agunloye canopy. So, we must unite and support our brother to ensure his success during his reign,” he appealed.
Businessman, investor, and filmmaker Ladigbolu, who is located in Abuja, congratulated the Alaafin-designate and wished him a long and peaceful life, as well as advancement for the town and Yorubaland overall.
“I pray that the King’s reign brings peace and unity to the land, as well as development to the community. Oyo’s name is so strong that it should never be seen as a village, but as a city.
“I also pray that God grants our King the wisdom to unite all the sons and daughters of Agunloye because he is an ambassador of the Agunloye Ruling House, and by God’s grace, he will make the family proud.
“Let us continue to support the development of Oyo as we have always done. Whether through selection, election, or appointment, whoever is chosen should be supported once they prove to be the right person for the development of Oyo. It is only God who places people in positions of authority. No ambition is greater than Oyo; Oyo is bigger than any individual’s ambition.
“Every Agunloye Prince should, therefore, support the new Oba’s success. Let us keep the love between the Owoade and Ladigbolu families within the Agunloye Ruling House alive.
“To all the citizens of Oyo, both within and outside the country, this is the best time to come home and show your support. It is the beginning of a new era. Let’s unite and elevate Oyo to where it should be.
“There’s no place like home. This is the time to bring all our resources together, no matter how little, and contribute our knowledge, ideas, and resources,” he urged.