The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has cautioned bloggers and social media users against creating disunity among Yoruba monarchs, particularly the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo, while also highlighting the significance of the Oke ‘Badan Festival in Ibadan

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has issued a strong warning to bloggers, content creators, and social media users to refrain from publishing posts and comments that could incite disunity among prominent Yoruba monarchs, specifically the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and other revered traditional rulers in the South-West region, particularly concerning issues of seniority.

Iba Gani Adams delivered this caution during his address at the 2025 Oke ‘Badan Festival, a significant cultural event held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, on Wednesday.

Adams expressed his dismay over the recent “unnecessary comparison” being drawn between the stools of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife by bloggers and some online media platforms regarding their seniority.

“Let me reiterate that both traditional stools and the revered royal imperial majesties occupying them are two of the most prominent Obas in Yorubaland and globally,” Adams stated.

“I especially appeal to bloggers across the region and the country not to publish content capable of creating disunity among our traditional rulers and respected traditional institutions.”

The Aare Ona Kakanfo urged content creators to exercise responsibility in their reporting and to be mindful when developing content for their various platforms, ensuring they do not inflame public sentiment or sow discord among the Yoruba traditional leadership.

Speaking on the significance of the Oke-Ibadan Festival, Adams explained, “The Oke-Ibadan Festival is a yearly celebration that honours the founding of Ibadan, the Aboke, and the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

It is a cultural and traditional event where the Ibadan people pay respect to their ancestors, reaffirm their cultural values, and promote unity.”

He elaborated on the historical context of the festival, stating, “The name ‘Oke-Ibadan’ translates to ‘Hill of Ibadan,’ referring to the original settlement site on a hill where the city was formed in the 18th century.

Though there are various accounts of the origin of ‘Oke Ibadan,’ there is a general agreement that Lagelu, Oro Apata-Maja, who was the founder of Ibadan, established the festival.”

Adams further called upon the Oyo State government to recognize the historical and cultural importance of Oke Ibadan by developing it into a prominent tourist destination.

He emphasized its significance as a reminder of the historical background of the Ibadan people and the legacy of their founders, including the honoring of the goddess of the hill and acknowledging the role of the city’s founding fathers.

“Oke Ibadan is a formidable and highly historical rock to the Ibadan people. It played a vital role during ancient wars. Ibadan people see the rock as a source of children, wealth, and many other blessings,” Adams added.

He urged the state’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism to list the rock as a major tourist site in Yorubaland, similar to other spiritually significant rocks across the region.

During the festival, guest lecturer Ambassador Afolabi Olaniyi addressed broader national issues, calling on the federal government to increase the recruitment of security personnel to effectively protect lives and property.

He also advocated for the establishment of Police Universities across the six geopolitical zones to enhance security capacity.