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The Isese Religious Association in Oyo state has warned against unguarded utterances, and retroactive actions capable of creating unnecessary tension and unhealthy developments among traditional institutions in Yorubaland.
Chairman Isese Worshippers Committee, and the Asiwaju of Oyo, Chief Onifade Olanipekun, handed down the warning weekend at a press briefing in Oyo town.
Chief Olanipekun specifically cautioned members of the public, including bloggers to desist from fanning embers of discord among traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
” Our kings and traditional institutions represent important aspects of our history, identity, customs, and collective heritage. They deserve responsible public engagement, constructive dialogue, and respect, even when opinions differ
” The unity of Yoruba land is a shared responsibility. We must not allow unverified allegations, inflammatory publications, or the actions of a few individuals to create unnecessary divisions among our people and institutions,” he said.
He rejected allegations circulating on social media suggesting that the Isese community and Sàngó worshippers in Oyo have failed to support the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
“The Association considers this allegation misleading and a misrepresentation of the relationship between the Isese community and the revered traditional institution of the Alaafin of Oyo.
“We therefore wish to reassure His Imperial Majesty, the people of Oyo, and the general public of our continued commitment to the dignity, honour, and preservation of the Paramount Ruler’s throne, as well as the cultural heritage and traditional values of Oyo Kingdom.
” The Isese community and Sàngó worshippers in Oyo wish to state unequivocally that our support for the Alaafin’s throne did not begin today. Our commitment to this traditional institution has been evident since the installation of His Imperial Majesty as the Alaafin of Oyo and remains firmly rooted in our reverence for our ancestors, our spiritual heritage, and the enduring tradition of our forefathers.
” In our religious and cultural understanding, the Alaafin’s throne holds profound historical and spiritual significance.
“Our reverence for the throne is inseparable from our responsibility to preserve the history, customs, traditions, and identity of Oyo Kingdom for present and future generations, ” he said.
Emphasizing that the Association’s support for the Alaafin’s throne should not be measured solely by social media comments, online confrontations, or public exchanges of insults, Chief Olanipekun noted that genuine commitment to a traditional institution is demonstrated through responsible conduct, constructive engagement, cultural preservation, peaceful advocacy, and practical efforts to safeguard the values it represents.
” While we recognize that individuals have the right to express their views responsibly, we strongly reject any attempt to use the name of Isese religion as a justification for insulting traditional rulers, provoking division, or undermining the cultural institutions of Yorubaland.
“We therefore urge members of the public to distinguish between individuals’ conduct and the established position of the Isese community in Oyo. The actions or statements of individuals on social media should not automatically be attributed to the entire Isese community or interpreted as the official position of our Association”.
The Asiwaju of Oyo appealed to anyone identifying as an Onísẹ̀ṣe, regardless of their state or place of residence, to exercise restraint and demonstrate respect when expressing opinions about the Alaafin, other traditional rulers, and the cultural institutions of Yorubaland.
” We believe promoting Isese requires knowledge, integrity, responsibility, and respect for our collective heritage. No individual should use the name of our religion to create unnecessary hostility or mislead the public about the position of the Isese community in Oyo”.
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