The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, is calling for a public retraction and apology from Professor Ademola Dasylva. The monarch disputes claims made by the professor that he arrived three hours behind schedule at the inauguration of the Alaafin’s Institute of Yoruba Studies, hosted at Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.
Bode Durojaiye, the Director of Media and Publicity for the palace, labeled the professor’s comments as reckless. He explained that the university had been notified well in advance that the monarch would be traveling with a delegation of paramount rulers from outside the state, necessitating a schedule adjustment. The palace had explicitly informed organizers that the royal entourage could not arrive before noon or 1:00 p.m.
Durojaiye criticized Professor Dasylva for airing complaints publicly rather than verifying the facts with event organizers. He noted that the professor was neither part of the planning committee nor the protocol team and was therefore unaware of the prior arrangements. The palace emphasized that royal movements involve complex protocols and coordination with other leaders, which requires proper consultation.
The statement concluded by stressing that the Alaafin’s attendance was a sign of his dedication to Yoruba education and culture. The palace insisted that the professor should have exercised more restraint and research before making disparaging remarks, maintaining that the monarch arrived exactly when he had stated he would.
