Baba Oba Of Oyotunji Dies After Allegedly Beating By Alaafin Owoade’s Aides

The Yoruba community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Baba Oba Lukmon Suleimon Arounfale, the revered Baba Oba of Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, United States, after an alleged brutal assault at the palace of the newly-installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.

It was gathered that Baba Oba Arounfale visited the Alaafin’s palace on 17th April 2025, where he was reportedly subjected to severe beating alongside his driver.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the altercation arose after a misunderstanding over traditional protocols and recordings made secretly during the meeting.

Reports claim that after the driver’s mobile phone was found to contain recordings of the palace discussions, aides of the Alaafin allegedly descended on both the Baba Oba and his driver, leading to serious injuries.

The driver was later detained at a nearby police station.

It was further learnt that following the incident, Baba Oba Arounfale fell ill and was taken to hospitals in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Sources said the first hospital could not diagnose any illness, and upon transfer to another hospital, he was pronounced dead on arrival around 4:00 pm on Friday, 25th April 2025.

The news of his passing has since sparked outrage and sorrow among Yoruba communities both in Nigeria and the diaspora, with many describing the development as a tragic blow to cultural unity.

Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in for the late Baba Oba. In a condolence message, HRM Oba Abimbola Akile Balogun, Akile of Texas, lauded Arounfale’s unwavering commitment to Yoruba heritage, noting his instrumental role in establishing the Royal Throne of Okunade in Dallas, Texas.

The Texas Council of Obas and Chiefs described his death as a monumental loss, praying for his peaceful repose and urging the Yoruba nation to uphold the ideals he lived for.