The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), on Sunday called on traditional rulers in Yorubaland to shun egocentric utterances and unnecessary supremacy battles.
The Yoruba elders urged them to seek peace and embrace unity for development and progress in the region.
This follows reports of growing rivalry and verbal onslaught among some prominent Yoruba monarchs, which have been sparking public concern and criticism.
Speaking on the development, the Secretary-General of YCE, Chief Oladipo Oyewole, appealed to the royal fathers to focus on development, empowerment of their people, particularly the Youths.
He emphasised the need for the preservation of Yoruba cultural
values.
“There must be harmony among our traditional rulers for us to maintain the leadership position we inherited from our forebears. Yoruba land must remain united as one family for more goals to be harnessed. Enough of these supremacy battles, egocentric fighting and needless altercations. Our revered thrones are Institutions meant to unite and uplift, not divide,” Oyewole said.
He urged Yoruba monarchs to reflect on the values of Omoluabi (which translates to doing things correctly to gain honour, integrity, and mutual respect to be able to lead with dignity.
Oyewole did not spare aides and media handlers of monarchs, advising them to stop fanning the flames of crisis through reckless statements and divisive actions that may inflame the Institutions.
“We strongly advise media aides and close associates of our traditional rulers to stop
creating conflicts. They should stop tarnishing the image of our royal fathers and desist from any attempt to ridicule the Yoruba culture. Enough is enough!,” he said.
The YCE maintained that, “at this time, Yorubaland is facing serious challenges, ranging from insecurity to Youth unemployment. Our Traditional Rulers must be above petty rivalries and work together for the good of all their people”.
The YCE, therefore urged all stakeholders to prioritise activities that will enhance the growth of peace, encourage cultural unity, and create room for development.
Council warned that continued disunity among royal institutions could erode public trust and weaken the influence of the Yoruba traditional system as well as the hard earned leadership position of Yoruba Race among Black people.
