The leadership of Oyotunji African Village has broken its silence over rising tensions and confusion following the death of its monarch, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II, who passed on July 29, 2024.
In a public statement issued over the weekend, the royal family denounced the activities of individuals falsely claiming to represent the village during its ongoing leadership transition.
According to a press release signed by Her Royal Highness Yeye Oba Fabunmi Adesoji-Akinsegun Adefunmi-Sands, daughter of the late Oba Efuntola Adefunmi I and current Matron of the Adefunmi Royal Family, several unauthorized persons have made public appearances and issued statements in the name of the community.
“These individuals, often driven by personal motives, have caused significant public confusion by engaging with dignitaries and royal fathers in Nigeria without our consent,” the Yeye Oba said.
She emphasized that Oyotunji African Village currently has no official spokesperson or Baba Oba, contrary to reports in some quarters.
Tensions escalated following the recent death of Chief Lukmon Selelmon Arounfal, who died after a brief illness shortly after visiting the newly installed Alafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The incident has drawn increased attention to the village’s succession issues.
The royal family affirmed that Prince Adesina-Aremo, the Crown Prince of Oyotunji, will ascend the throne at the appropriate time, guided by divine direction and family tradition.
“Like his father before him, he will assume kingship at a young age, fully supported by the strength and unity of our clan,” Yeye Oba Fabunmi stated.
Reaffirming the spiritual and cultural mission of Oyotunji, the Yeye Oba described the village as an extension of the Oyo Empire, rooted in Dahomean and Yoruba bloodlines, and connected to Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilization.
“Oyotunji was founded for cultural restoration and spiritual sovereignty. That mission has not changed,” she said.
In closing, the Yeye Oba appealed for peace, clarity, and unity within the Oyotunji community and its global diaspora. She also called for the establishment of clear communication protocols and reiterated that only those formally authorized by her office are permitted to speak on behalf of Oyotunji.
“We call upon the Orisa, Olodumare, and our ancestors to grant us peace and protection during this sacred transition,” she said. “As a people both in the Motherland and across the diaspora, we must stand together.”
The statement was signed by HRH Yeye Oba Fabunmi A. O. Adefunmi-Sands, who also serves as a UN Delegate for the African Cultural Development Foundation (ACDF) and Peace Ambassador designated by His Imperial Majesty Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II.
