Justice Group Accuses Alaafin Of Murder, Demands Probe Into Baba Oba Oyotunji’s Death

A group known as Justice for Chief Arohunfale Movement has accused the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, of being responsible for the death of Chief Lukman Ojora Arohunfale, popularly known as Baba Oba of Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, United States.

Chief Arohunfale, a respected custodian of Yoruba culture and a descendant of the Awori lineage from Oloofin under the Oduduwa dynasty, reportedly died following injuries sustained during an alleged physical assault by aides linked to the palace of the Alaafin.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the group, led by Mr Wande Lawrence, stated that the late Chief was brutally attacked and pushed from a staircase during a visit to a private residence in Oyo, where he was said to have been invited under suspicious circumstances.

“The deceased made clear voice recordings before he passed on. In those recordings, he described how he was attacked. Eye witnesses have also identified, from circulating photos online, some of the palace aides who carried out the assault,” the group alleged.

They further claimed that the altercation stemmed from Chief Arohunfale’s confirmation of the royal allegiance of Oyotunji Village to the Ooni of Ife, which reportedly angered the Alaafin and his aides. The Chief had also shown photographs of the late Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, offering cultural blessings to the Oyotunji royals.

“Rather than issuing an apology or condolence message to the bereaved family, Oba Akeem Owoade has been issuing denials,” the group’s statement read.

They also criticised the press statement released by the Alaafin’s camp, which distanced the monarch from the assault, describing it as “barbaric, inhumane and misleading.”

The group raised suspicion over the role of one Mr Al-Morufu Yekini, a chieftain from Oyotunji Village, currently at large in the United States, who allegedly invited Chief Arohunfale to Oyo under false pretences.

They further alleged that members of the late Chief’s entourage — including his wife and driver — were physically assaulted during the visit and are currently recovering from bodily injuries.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the silence of the Oyo State Government, the group called for an independent investigation into the matter, warning that they will not sit idly while the alleged perpetrators go unpunished.

“We are ready to embark on peaceful protests across Nigeria, Europe, South Africa and the United States. Justice must be served. No one is above the law,” Lawrence said.

The group also issued a warning to certain Yoruba elders who are reportedly attempting to mediate and suppress legal actions. “This is not the time for traditional diplomacy. The rights of our people must be protected,” they insisted.

As at the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.