History is a double-edged mirror. It reflects both the glories of a people and the mistakes they must not repeat. Among the Yoruba, one such historical scar is the infamous Àólé’s Curse—a symbolic condemnation said to have been pronounced by Alaafin Àólé upon his deoath, lamenting the disloyalty and disunity of his chiefs and the Yoruba people.
It is told that as Àólé met his tragic end, betrayed by the very lieutenants sworn to protect the sanctity of the throne, he placed a generational curse upon Yorubaland—one that would manifest in ceaseless rivalry, fragmentation, and disharmony among its leaders. Whether myth or memory, the spirit of Àólé’s lamentation continues to hover over the cultural politics of Yoruba traditional institutions today.
The question then must be asked: Should we, in this age of enlightenment and progress, allow the Curse of Àólé to endure? Shall we continue to nourish the roots of ancient divisions that have robbed Yorubaland of collective strength? Should monarchs, in this digital and globalized century, carry forward the enmities of their forefathers, or rather chart a new course of unity, civility, and enlightened leadership?
The answer should be clear.
The Yoruba are at a crossroads. The new custodians of tradition must decide whether they will be kings of consensus or emperors of ego. The modern Oba is no longer a feudal warlord, cloaked in impunity. He is a cultural ambassador, a symbol of identity, and a unifier of his people. The need for subtle monarchical diplomacy, humility in majesty, and warmth in rulership has never been more pressing.
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It is in this light that Alaafin Abimbola Owoade must take a reflective pause. Recent public gestures—particularly one in which he reportedly refused to rise in greeting as the Ooni of Ife made his stately entrance—have raised eyebrows and reignited old anxieties. Such acts, however symbolic, carry the weight of history and risk reawakening old fault lines.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the current Ooni of Ife, has shown exemplary leadership in navigating the throne with restraint and reconciliation. Rather than inherit the feuds of the past, he has chosen dialogue over disdain, diplomacy over defiance. His approach to inter-royal relations with Modakeke, the Owa Obokun, and even the late Alaafin of Oyo has demonstrated that kings can be noble without being hostile, and powerful without being petty.
What the times demand is not a return to the fragmented glory of ancient pride, but a renewal of Yoruba unity. If the Alaafin represents the strength of Oyo, and the Ooni symbolizes the spiritual bedrock of Ife, then together they must weave the fabric of Yoruba resurgence. Ego and envy cannot build a future. Respect and cooperation can.
Alaafin Abimbola Owoade must recourse into his royal chamber, reflect deeply on the weight of his crown, and remember the lamentation of Àólé.
A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Yoruba land deserves better than a reenactment of generational rivalry; it deserves leadership worthy of its illustrious heritage.
Let us, as a people, bury the hatchets handed down by history.
Let us extinguish the lingering flames of Àólé’s curse with the water of unity, wisdom, and mutual respect. Our children should inherit harmony, not hostility.
Let us not allow the curse of Àólé to define our destiny ,tear our unity and continue to sow the seed of intergenerational discord among the sons and daughters of Oodua .
