The Isese Religious Association in Oyo has urged members of the public and social media commentators to avoid inflammatory statements that could create divisions among traditional institutions in Yorubaland.
The association’s position was presented by the Chairman of the Isese Worshippers Committee and Asiwaju Awo of Oyo, Chief Onifade Olanipekun, during a press briefing at the palace in Oyo town.
Olanipekun said traditional rulers and institutions remained important to Yoruba history, identity, customs and cultural heritage. He called for public discussions about them to be conducted responsibly, particularly where disagreements or allegations could affect relationships between communities and their traditional authorities.
“Our kings and traditional institutions represent important aspects of our history, identity, customs, and collective heritage. They deserve responsible public engagement, constructive dialogue, and respect, even when opinions differ,” he said.
He also warned against allowing unverified claims and provocative publications to fuel disputes among Yoruba communities and their traditional institutions.
“The unity of Yoruba land is a shared responsibility. We must not allow unverified allegations, inflammatory publications, or the actions of a few individuals to create unnecessary divisions among our people and institutions,” Olanipekun said.
The association specifically rejected claims circulating on social media that the Isese community and Sàngó worshippers in Oyo had failed to support the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I.
According to Olanipekun, the allegation misrepresented the relationship between the traditional worshippers and the Alaafin’s institution. He said the association considered respect for the throne and the preservation of Yoruba cultural values important responsibilities.
He argued that support for a traditional institution should be demonstrated through responsible conduct, constructive engagement, cultural preservation and peaceful advocacy, rather than assessed solely through statements made by individuals online.
Olanipekun also urged the public to distinguish between the actions or opinions of particular individuals and the position of the wider Isese community in Oyo.
The association’s intervention comes amid online discussion about the relationship between traditional institutions and cultural or religious groups in Yorubaland. The chairman’s remarks focused on discouraging public statements that could deepen disagreements or create unnecessary tension.
The association called for dialogue and respect for traditional institutions, while urging bloggers and other commentators to verify claims before publishing them.
Its position underscores the importance of responsible public communication when discussing cultural heritage, traditional leadership and relationships between communities.
Deborah Adeyefa
