Alaafin of Oyo not behind US-based Yoruba monarch’s death – Palace spokesman

Alaafin of Oyo Abimbola Owoade

The palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has denied any connection between the monarch, Oba Abimbola Owoade and the death of U.S.-based Yoruba traditional ruler, Lukman Arounfale, who died days after an alleged assault during a visit to the palace.

Mr. Arounfale, known as the Baba Oba of Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, reportedly sustained serious injuries in Oyo on April 17 and later died in the United States on April 26.

His family and members of the Nigerian diaspora have called for a thorough investigation, alleging he was attacked on orders from the palace following a dispute over royal legitimacy.

The controversy has been compounded by claims of tension between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Speculations suggest that Arounfale’s allegiance to the Ooni may have contributed to the hostile reception he allegedly received.

Palace spokesman Bode Durojaye, however, in an interview with The Punch on Tuesday, dismissed the allegations, stating, “The palace, through me, had issued a rebuttal to the media on the unconfirmed story, and it was widely circulated, including by electronic media. The palace was not responsible for his death.”

In an earlier written statement, Durojaye also addressed rising online tensions, specifically over a separate controversy involving claims that the Alaafin disrespected the Ooni of Ife during a recent public event in Ibadan, Oyo state.

The alleged incident, captured in a viral video, showing the Alaafin refusing to stand to greet the Ooni.

The spokesman criticised what he called “manufactured debates” and warned against attempts to pit traditional rulers against each other for public spectacle.

“It has come to the attention of the Media Office of the Alaafin of Oyo that certain bloggers and online commentators are generating needless controversies surrounding the interaction between our revered monarchs in Yorubaland—namely, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife—at a recent public function,” he stated.

“This latest installment in a series of manufactured debates is an unhelpful distraction from the truly pressing issues that sons and daughters of Yorubaland should be focused on.”

Durojaye reaffirmed the Alaafin’s respect for the Ooni and emphasised a commitment to collaboration, not competition, among Yoruba monarchs.

“The Alaafin holds the Ooni of Ife and all custodians of Yoruba heritage in high regard and is deeply committed to working hand-in-hand with them to chart a new path of unity, justice, and sustainable development across our land.”

He urged the public to rise above “pettiness” and focus on real challenges facing the Yoruba people, such as youth empowerment, security and cultural revival.