…Diaspora claimant allegedly demanded same royal status as Olota; Erelu says intervention forced him, entourage to leave
A startling revelation by the Olota of Ota and Paramount Ruler of Aworiland, Oba(Prof) Adeyemi Obalanlege, about the emergence of individuals allegedly parading themselves as Yoruba monarchs over territories without legitimate traditional authority has received fresh corroboration from an eyewitness who says she personally confronted one such claimant in Austria.
The Erelu Túnwàṣẹ, Lola Ayonrinde, who participated in the 49th edition of Boiling Point Arena last Sunday has disclosed that she witnessed an extraordinary episode during a visit to Austria in 2024, when a Yoruba individual based in France allegedly presented himself as a monarch and demanded recognition on the same protocol level as the Olota of Ota.
In a written response to the discourse circulated in social media, Ayonrinde said the individual arrived with what appeared to be a royal entourage and an elaborate structure of traditional titles, creating the impression of a pseudo-kingdom within the diaspora.
The encounter, Erelu said, became particularly contentious when the claimant allegedly sought seating arrangements that would place him on the same royal standing as the Olota.
Ayonrinde said she personally objected to what she considered a breach of royal protocol and subsequently intervened with the organisers.
According to her account, the intervention left the individual and his entourage with no option but to leave the venue.
The incident, she argued, underscores the growing need to investigate the activities of individuals who allegedly appropriate Yoruba royal titles and establish parallel kingdoms abroad without demonstrable traditional legitimacy.
She disclosed that Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, associated with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), was also present at the Austrian gathering.
The revelation adds a striking international dimension to the debate on the credibility, proliferation and regulation of traditional rulership in Yorubaland, which dominated the 49th edition of Boiling Point Arena, a hybrid public sphere platform transmitted via Zoom and broadcast live on multiple radio stations across the country.
The Olota had raised concerns during the discourse about individuals allegedly claiming royal authority over territories without proper conferment, warning that such practices could further diminish the dignity and credibility of Yoruba traditional institutions.
Olota represented the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola who is customarily the keynote speaker and Chair of the Boiling Point monthly series.
Ayonrinde’s account suggests that the controversy may extend beyond Nigeria’s shores, with diaspora-based individuals allegedly creating royal identities and traditional hierarchies whose legitimacy is open to question.
Her account also raises important questions about the authority to confer Yoruba traditional titles, the recognition of such titles outside Nigeria, and the responsibility of relevant institutions to prevent the appropriation of royal status.
At the heart of the controversy is a fundamental question: can an individual simply proclaim himself an Oba, establish a pseudo-kingdom abroad and demand the same traditional recognition and protocol accorded to duly recognised Yoruba monarchs?
For Ayonrinde, the Austrian encounter was a practical illustration of the danger.
She believes the activities of individuals described as fake Obas in the diaspora deserve serious examination, particularly in determining who has the authority and responsibility to check such practices.
In explaining why she chose to respond in writing rather than speak during the live programme, Ayonrinde said the one-minute opportunity available to her would not have allowed her to do justice to the many issues raised.
She therefore announced a series of interventions under the banner of Erelu Túnwàṣẹ Series, to examine the Yoruba traditional institution, its responsibilities, the challenges confronting it and possible solutions.
Titled “Yoruba Monarchy: The Issues, The Responsibilities and The Way Forward,” the series, she said, would go beyond restating the arguments already canvassed to identify the issues, determine who bears responsibility and propose practical actions.
She particularly commended the Olota for his opening remarks and contribution to the discourse, while lauding the convener and moderator of Boiling Point Arena, Ayo Arowojolu for sustaining a platform for public enlightenment and informed debate.
Ayonrinde also recalled her earlier professional connection with Arowojolu dating back to over two decades during his active journalism days.
Her proposed series, she explained, would be presented in short, focused instalments, with particular attention to the responsibilities of relevant stakeholders as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
The Austrian episode has consequently transformed an already heated debate about the Yoruba monarchy into a wider conversation about the reach of traditional authority, the authenticity of royal titles and the protection of Yoruba cultural heritage beyond Nigeria’s borders.