The greatest adversary of falsehood is a sharp memory. Among the challenges hindering the progress of the Yoruba people is the neglect of truth, often overshadowed by lies. However, no matter how long falsehood prevails, the truth inevitably triumphs.
Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu stands as the most fitting candidate for the esteemed stool of the Alaafin of Oyo. He is the youngest surviving biological grandson of the late Alaafin Siyanbola Ladigbolu, who reigned from 1911 to 1944. His lineage, deeply rooted in Oyo royalty, makes him the rightful heir to the vacant throne.
From the outset, it has been clear: the stool of the Alaafin is beyond the reach of superficial bidding or influence. The people of Oyo possess an innate wisdom; they often communicate the truth not through words but through their subtle body language. From the moment the names of the contenders were made public, it became evident to the Oyo people who their next Alaafin should be.
Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu is not just any contender; he is the direct descendant of Alaafin Abubakar Akanbi Siyanbola Oladigbolu and a great-grandson of Alaafin Muhammad Lawal Amubieya Agogo-Oja, who reigned from 1905 to 1911. His lineage places him at the forefront, as his grandfather’s line holds the available slot for the throne, a fact undisputed among the ruling houses in Oyo.
Skipping over Alaafin Ladigbolu’s grandson in favor of distant generations is a disregard for the natural order. Prince Siyanbola is endowed with a birthright that sets him apart. His very existence as a grandson was ordained by the Almighty, making him a true blueblood. At the time of Alaafin Ladigbolu’s passing in 1944, Prince Siyanbola’s father was just eleven years old. The young prince’s path to the throne is not a matter of choice but of divine arrangement.
Among the contenders, only one other, Prince Archbishop Lawrence Ayoade Ladigbolu, an 87-year-old bishop, shares the same direct lineage. However, it would be unwise for a leader to appoint someone of such advanced age as king when a young, vibrant, and capable contender in his late 30s is available.
Anyone with genuine intentions for the prosperity of Oyo cannot support the appointment of an 87-year-old man as the new Alaafin. The young prince, in his prime, possesses a mindset that is in harmony with the demands of modern leadership. Even if he errs, he can be guided by the wisdom of the elders around him.
Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu is not just full of energy; he is brimming with potential. He has shown a deep understanding of what it takes to restore the glory of Yorubaland across all spheres. Presenting him as the next Alaafin is not just a choice; it is a necessity for the continued greatness of Oyo.
Time is of the essence. Oyo cannot afford to lose this opportunity. The future of the ancient town depends on the ascension of Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu to the throne.
