The Southwest Security Stakeholders’ Group (SSSG), has condemned in strong terms recent statements made by the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) regarding the visit of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, to Yoruba communities in Shao and Jebba, Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State.
The group, which is a coalition of over 14 security groups across the Southwest region, described IEYDA’s position as divisive and inflammatory.
It noted that their objections to the Alaafin’s visit lack historical accuracy and undermine the unity of Yoruba traditional institutions.
In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Ireti Adewole, the SSSG emphasised that the Alaafin’s visit is a legitimate cultural engagement with communities historically linked to the old Oyo Empire, reflecting deep ancestral ties that predate current administrative boundaries.
The group noted that the Shao and Jebba people migrated from the original old Oyo empire. It added that, regardless of this development, the people of Jebba remain descendants of Oyo and remain subjects of the Alaafin.
“Oyo-Ile, Oyo Katangua and Oyo Basita are the names given to the old Oyo Empire. And this journey is not more than 20 minutes to Jebba. On the other hand, Ilorin, where the Emir leads, is about an hour’s journey to Jebba.
“Shao had been in existence long before Ilorin, and is therefore older than Ilorin. Ilorin itself was founded by Laderin, who gave birth to Pasi, who gave birth to Olugbin, who in turn gave birth to Afonja, who became the modern leader of Ilorin till 1824.
“Laderin, Pasi, Olugbin and Afonja are all descendants of Oyo. Till today, if you go to Oyo, they all still have compounds there. We therefore find it difficult to understand why the Alaafin will have to seek permission to see his subjects in Jebba and Shao,” the group said.
Describing IEYDA’s claims and other similar comments as “misinformed, historically flawed, and unnecessarily provocative,” the SSSG stressed that expecting the Alaafin to seek permission before visiting these communities is unreasonable and disregards established traditional hierarchies.
It called on the Emir of Ilorin to prevail on all youth organisations, including IEYDA, to exercise restraint and focus on fostering unity and development rather than promoting divisive rhetoric.
The group stressed the importance of mutual respect, historical truth, and peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities in Kwara State.
“The sort of security threats that have befallen Yoruba-speaking communities in Kwara State is enough for any traditional ruler in Yorubaland to visit them, because they are really living in fear
“Kwara State is not being run by an Emperor from whom you will have to seek permission before you can see a fellow traditional ruler or visit communities in his domain.
“In cases where the movement of someone is capable of posing security threats to a community, it is not the job of the traditional ruler to stop such a person; it is the job of the security agents.
“If the Emir is coming to visit any monarch in Oyo State, he doesn’t need the clearance of the Alaafin. Or if the Emir is coming to Lagos to visit any traditional ruler, he doesn’t need the clearance of the Oba of Lagos.
“So, the youths who are behaving like Fulani irredentists should be very careful. Their arrogance should be stopped. All provocative utterances should also be stopped forthwith,” the SSSG added.
