The Palaces of the Ataoja of Osogbo and the Ooni of Ife have issued separate clarifications following public reactions to the recent visit of Queen Ashley Afolasade Ojaja Ogunwusi to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.
The development comes amid differing interpretations of the visit, with both palaces providing detailed accounts to address misconceptions surrounding the purpose and implications of the engagement.
In a statement released by Oyindamola Olukanni, Media Head of Our Heritage Branding and Advertising Limited and Marketing Consultant for the Osun-Osogbo Festival, on behalf of Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogbo land, the traditional ruler emphasized the primacy of traditional protocols in all inter-kingdom engagements involving cultural and spiritual institutions.
The Osogbo monarch maintained that any royal representative entering another kingdom must first observe the established requirement of paying homage to the reigning monarch before undertaking cultural or spiritual activities.
He noted that failure to observe such protocol constitutes a deviation from Yoruba traditional order, particularly where engagements relate to heritage institutions under the custodianship of a recognized throne.
According to the statement, “It is neither customary nor acceptable within Yoruba tradition for any royal representative to enter a kingdom, engage with its sacred institutions, and proceed without duly paying homage to the sitting monarch.”
Oba Oyetunji reaffirmed his custodial authority over the Osun-Osogbo heritage, stressing that the tradition is territorially rooted and cannot be replicated or reinterpreted outside its historical base.
He also raised concerns about actions that could create impressions of parallel cultural initiatives, especially when such actions are followed by the promotion of similarly themed events.
Responding to the concerns, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, clarified that the Olori’s visit was strictly spiritual and bore no connection to any form of cultural appropriation or institutional overlap.
In a statement signed by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the Ooni explained that the visit was undertaken in her capacity as Yeye Omi Oodua, with the sole aim of offering prayers and performing rites of appeasement to the Osun River.
The statement noted that the visit was in preparation for the forthcoming Odun Omi festival, scheduled to hold within the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
According to Ooni Ogunwusi, “At no time did Her Majesty make any pronouncement suggesting the relocation, replication, or interference with the Osun-Osogbo Festival.”
He added that the Olori’s interaction with Osun worshippers in Osogbo was an expression of cultural courtesy and should not be interpreted as formal consultation or institutional engagement.
The palace also reiterated its respect for the Ataoja’s stool, acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove within Osogbo land.
The Ooni urged the public and media to disregard narratives suggesting conflict between the two royal institutions, insisting that both remain committed to preserving Yoruba heritage through mutual respect and established tradition.
Separately, Queen Ashley Afolasade Ogunwusi stated that her visit was purely to fulfill spiritual obligations tied to her title, dismissing claims of any alternative intentions.
In a personally signed statement, Olori Ogunwusi said, “My presence at the Osun Grove was strictly in fulfillment of spiritual obligations tied to my title as Yeye Omi Oodua.”
The Olori explained that her actions were guided by reverence for tradition and did not involve any meetings with monarchs or discussions relating to festival hosting.
She added, “At no point was there any engagement with any monarch regarding the hosting of the festival, nor was any announcement made in that regard.”
Reaffirming the spiritual significance of Ile-Ife, she noted that the ancient city remains central to Yoruba cosmology and guides traditional rites performed under the Ooni’s authority.
