ADVERTORIAL:
Tussle with Soun: “Olugbon” Oba Francis Olusola Alao on his own – Olugbon Orisafayo Family
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This piece has become imperative in view of the recurrent tussle between the (Olugbon of Orile-Igbon), Oba Francis Olusola Alao, and the Soun Royal Family of Ogbomoso. This is most unfortunate and we of the Olugbon Orisafayo Royal Family have taken it as a duty to weigh-in by cautioning him. His story is known to the public how he usurped the exalted throne of Olugbon in 2017, which led to series of litigations, which are ongoing in court. We will return to this.
We are at a loss as to why Francis Olusola Alao is obsessive about fomenting trouble with the Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III. We state categorically that the authentic Olugbon Dynasty is not at loggerheads with the Soun Royal Dynasty. Our forefathers were on the same page, cooperated and defended this land together, though our existence predated theirs in this area. The camaraderie that has long existed between the two thrones we desire to maintain and so Francis Olusola Alao is on his own. At this age, in this era of innovative technologies and scientific breakthroughs, fomenting trouble over superiority issues or unhealthy rivalries is out of place.
Rather than igniting crises through unguarded statements, and on the basis of his inordinate ambition, he should tell the world his ancestry. He should avail us of his true identity, how many of his forefathers ever reigned as Olugbon or even vied for the Olugbon throne? What is Eso compound at Osupa to him? How is he related to the Akinbola family?
We are posing these questions to him because Prince Suleiman Popoola Orisafayo was chosen by the recognised Olugbon Royal Family through duly contested elections on two different occasions, at the family stage and at the Surulere Local Government headquarters, when the authorities there demanded a repeat of the exercise. He defeated two others in the Orisafayo Ruling House. The Kingmakers had declared the Orisafayo Ruling House as the next to produce the Olugbon. It’s political manipulations and wicked manoeuvering that had brought us to where we are. Prince Suleiman Popoola Orisafayo is the grandson of Olugbon Orisafayo and is the custodian of the Olugbon Royal Egungun – Babasi or Babalugbon, which is an ancient warrior Egungun.
The nomination and approval of Prince Suleiman Popoola Orisafayo as Olugbon Crown Prince can be confirmed from the kingmakers who oversaw the process, two of whom are still alive i.e. Chief Ajani Awotoro (Jagun Olugbon and head of the Kingmakers) and Chief Samuel David (Otun Olugbon and deputy). They screened and approved his nomination by the family.
We also want to state that it’s ridiculous for another non-Olugbon royal family member, one Olawale Olaniyi, to be a megaphone of Francis Olusola Alao. This is someone whose forefathers served as our priests. He has no stake in our family and he should warn himself against further speaking on our behalf. Those who aren’t paternally related to the Olugbon Dynasty shouldn’t be speaking on our behalf moreover to instigate crisis.
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Furthermore, we want to remind Francis Olusola Alao of the extant court injunction since 2017 (Suit no. HOI/14/2017), which forbids him from parading himself as Olugbon pending the determination of the substantive suit against his politically-backed ascension to the throne. The Court additionally orders he should not engage in selling of land and not install anyone as chief, all what he blatantly flouts. There is also a disclaimer against him by the family.
He’s virtually unroyally. Because of his arrogance, only him came out to condemn the Obas and Chiefs’ Amendment Bill of Oyo State 2025, describing it as a “flawed political document” when he could have called the attention of the member representing his constituency and vent his disagreement. Rather, he went on paper condemning what Honourable members did. No other Oba or Chief in Oyo State ever tackled the House of Assembly.
So, we the authentic Olugbon Royals wash our hands off the crises he is causing with the Soun or any other. And we warn him to desist, the Olugbon Royal Family and the Soun Royal Family had co-habited for centuries on good terms and on mutual basis and we do not need any Francis to jeopardise this relationship.
Enough is enough!
Signed:
1. Prince Azeez Suleiman Popoola Orisafayo
2. Prince Samuel Ojo Orisafayo
3. Prince Oladipo James Orisafayo
4. Prince Olayinka Toyese Orisafayo
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