By Boyeji Esho
The Yoruba people must establish a responsive and decisive mechanism to neutralize the encroaching influence of external forces in the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo.
The recent eagerness of Fulani elements from Ilorin to interfere in the selection process of the Alaafin throne demands urgent resistance from Yorubas worldwide.
The betrayal of Afonja, a Yoruba man from Oyo and a chief under the rulership of the Alaafin, serves as a historical lesson that cannot be overlooked.
Afonja’s treachery led to an enduring territorial dispute over Ilorin, a land originally under the authority of the Alaafin, which was usurped by the Fulani jihadist, Alimi, who cunningly made himself an emir in a region meant for an Oba Alade—a traditional Yoruba king—and not just any Oba, but the Alaafin.
History seems poised to repeat itself if the Yorubas, particularly the people of Oyo, fail to take this threat seriously.
Several pressing questions arise:
- Why are those who assert that Ilorin is not part of Yoruba land so interested in determining who becomes the next Alaafin?
- How can we be sure that the agenda behind this interest is not a continuation of Alimi’s radical legacy aimed at spreading Islam through domination?
- Why is it that the major supporters behind a Fulani-related Oyo prince are the same individuals who argue that Ilorin is not part of Yoruba land?
This is not the 1830s. The Yorubas will decisively and mercilessly resist any form of external domination at all costs.
No amount of Fulani support can impose such a candidate on the throne. Not only will such a candidate be prevented from becoming the Alaafin, but the Yorubas will ensure that none of his offspring ever get close to the Oyo throne.
We cannot afford to have another Afonja-minded individual disguising themselves as a king.
The legacy and future of the Alaafin stool must be protected from any form of external influence.
