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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movement (AYDM) has expressed strong support for the newly elected Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, urging Yoruba people globally to rally behind the new monarch.
AYDM, a coalition of Pan-Yoruba groups across Nigeria and West Africa, issued a statement asserting that the selection of Oba Owoade is a decision deserving of widespread support.
The coalition emphasized that since the announcement of His Imperial Majesty’s ascension, they have conducted thorough investigations into his background, finding his qualifications and character to be commendable.
The statement, signed by AYDM’s General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, Secretary for Mobilisation, Chief Kunle Oshodi, and Chief Rafiu Oriyomi, a representative of the Yoruba community in Ivory Coast, lauded the new Alaafin as the ideal leader to fulfill the spiritual, economic, physical, and political aspirations of the Yoruba people worldwide.
“We call on those who have filed court cases to withdraw them and encourage Oyo Mesi to embrace peace and cooperate with the new Alaafin. As a coalition of Pan-Yoruba groups, we have unanimously decided to support the new monarch. We also urge the opposition to join efforts in rebuilding the Yoruba nation for the betterment of Africa,” the AYDM stated.
The coalition warned that those who persist in opposing the new Alaafin could face backlash from the Yoruba nation. “Oba Owoade is a man of integrity—highly educated in the traditions of the Yoruba people, humble, and dedicated to the advancement of Yorubaland and humanity at large,” AYDM added.
It also highlighted that, for the first time in many years, Ifa was consulted in the selection process of the Alaafin, in line with the revered traditions of the Yoruba people.
