Ooni, Alaafin rivalry resurfaces

The claim of ownership of Oranyan projenitor which generated a heated criticism between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade last year, resurfaced, yesterday, as Oyo town claimed it had the unique privilege of having the Oranyan dynasty.

Oba Lamidi Adeyemi disclosed this at a briefing as part of activities marking the third year  which kicked off, yesterday.

The issue ruptured the relative peace between Alaafin and Ooni of Ife last year after the former celebrated the deity.

Referring to Ile-Ife, he said it was wrong to claim Oranyan as their progenitor.

While admitting that the shrine and spiritual headquarters of the deity are located in Ile-Ife,  Speaking through Most Rev. Ayo Ladigbolu, Oba Adeyemi, said,  “the Alaafin inaugurated Oranyan festival in 2010 purely as a deserving commemoration and celebration of his and our progenitor, Odede Oranyan. As I have said before, the descendants of Oranyan are found not only in Lagos, Edo, all the South West states, but they are also found in several West African countries, including Benin republic, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Ghana.”

“There are two Oranyan shrines at Agbaakin Compound as well as Ajiroba in Oyo. His elaborate shrine in Pobe, Benin Republic bears testimony to the territorial influence and exploits of the legendary Oranyan, whose obelisk and shrine are also found in Ile-Ife, the spiritual headquarters of the Yoruba race.

Of all landmarks, only Oyo has the most unique honour of preserving intact, and undiluted the undeniable Alaafin dynasty founded by our progenitor and first Alaafin.”

He said that Oba Adeyemi was the successor of that Alaafin, saying, “If they (Ife) had kept their mouths shut and allowed Oyo town to do its things in its own way, this controversy would not have arisen. 

Nobody else bears the title of Alaafin.”

He recalled that the maiden festival dwelt on gains of the Oranyan Dynasty and its indelible impact on our present age.
The second festival, he said, focused on the importance and sanctity of oath-taking and promise keeping in the socio-economic and political development of our society.

He noted that the festival would attract visitors from both within and outside the country.

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