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By Oluseye Ojo
Yoruba Obas Forum has condemned the installation of Obas in the diaspora, stating that such practices were fraudulent and against Yoruba culture and tradition.
The forum consists of prominent Obas from the South West region specifically highlighting the existence of a Yoruba Oba in Dallas, United States of America (USA), as well as in countries such as France, Holland, and Ireland, as a complete denigration of Yoruba heritage.
In a statement by the Public Relations Officer and Paramount Ruler of Odo Ayandelu kingdom, Asunmo Aderibigbe, the forum said the Yoruba tradition clearly outlined the proper procedures for installing an Oba in Yorubaland.
According to the forum, the state government, with the support of the state legislatures, holds the legal authority to grant final approval for the official installation of an Oba in the region.
The Obas said the traditional institution remains the sole sacred institution that has withstood the test of time, adding that a well-planned succession is imperative to prevent anarchy within the traditional institution.
“In Yorubaland, there are royal houses that are mostly qualified to appoint an Oba traditionally, and there are procedures that must be followed to preserve the culture and tradition of our race.”
The forum condemned the current trend as it mars the reputation of Yoruba culture and tradition and pleaded with other leading Obas in the South West to join forces against it.
It also called on embassies to take action and halt the practice in their respective countries and urged all Yoruba individuals residing in the diaspora to reject the trend that tarnishes the image of the race and stirs unnecessary tensions.
The Forum said it has written letters to the Ministry of External Affairs to voice its disapproval, saying the Yoruba Obas Forum does not support the appointment of a Yoruba Oba in the diaspora and condemns the practice as fraudulent and disrespectful to the traditional institution.
However, while denouncing the installation of Yoruba Obas in the diaspora, the Forum reasserted the importance of unity across the South West region and said the unity of all stakeholders is crucial for achieving peace, progress, and development within the Yoruba community, both in Nigeria and abroad.
