The Olugbon Orisafayo Royal Family has distanced itself from the ongoing tussle between Oba Francis Olusola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, and the Soun Royal Family of Ogbomoso, describing Alao’s actions as “inordinate ambition” and “unhealthy rivalries.”
In a statement signed by Prince Suleiman Popoola Orisafayo on Thursday, the family claimed that Alao is “on his own” in his bid to foment trouble with the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.
“We are at a loss as to why Francis Olusola Alao is obsessive about fomenting trouble with the Soun of Ogbomosoland. We state categorically that the authentic Olugbon Dynasty is not at loggerheads with the Soun Royal Dynasty.” the statement read.
The family questioned Alao’s ancestry, asking him to reveal his true identity and how many of his forefathers had reigned as Olugbon or vied for the throne.
“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?” the statement queried.
The family also challenged Alao to explain his connection to the Akinbola family and the Eso compound at Osupa. “What is Eso compound at Osupa to him? How is he related to the Akinbola family?” the statement read.
The statement noted that Prince Suleiman Popoola Orisafayo was chosen by the recognized Olugbon Royal Family through duly contested elections and that the Kingmakers had declared the Orisafayo Ruling House as the next to produce the Olugbon.
The family reminded Alao of an extant court injunction since 2017, which forbids him from parading himself as Olugbon pending the determination of the substantive suit against his ascension to the throne.
The family warned Alao to desist from causing crises with the Soun Royal Family, with whom the Olugbon Royal Family has coexisted for centuries on good terms.
“There is an 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 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!” the statement concluded.
