My stand on rift between Jagaban and Esabod, by Iba Gani Adams

Few days ago, the social media platform was awashed with video of the rift between Mrs. Tokunbo Aboderin, popularly called ESABOD (Omo Ewe) in the Republic of Ireland and Mrs. Abike JAGABAN (Omo  Aiye), in United Kingdom. The video went viral, spreading across all borders, and even beyond the boundaries of the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland (Dublin), where the two prominent figures are based.

It is with great concern that I am writing this letter to appeal to both parties, ESABOD and JAGABAN, on the need to make peace and sheath their swords in the name of our progenitor, Oduduwa, the great ancestor, that binds us together as one united family of the Yoruba race.

As a custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, and also the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, it is imperative for me to wade in and seek peace between the two warring groups.

I got wind of the situation during my short visit to the UK, and I was prevailed upon by prominent figures in the country to intervene in the disagreement.

However, I was constrained by the busy schedules of the planned reception held for me in the UK.

That is the reason for this letter, which, for me, serves a mutual purpose of appealing to leaders of the two groups and seeking lasting resolution to the fracas.

All over the world, the Yoruba race are well respected as a race with integrity, self-control and equanimity. Where ever we live in every parts of the world, the Yorubas are referred to as “Omoluabi”, a name that is synonymous to peace and tranquility. Even with the slightest provocation, the Yorubas have a way of resolving issues and conflicts, without resorting to blackmail or propaganda.

The Yorubas are a cultured people and that is why we are able to make enviable progress as a race.

Let me emphasize this for the records; that the dangers of your disagreement are legion.

First, it portrays both characters in bad light, and sends wrong signals to Nigerians, either at home or in the Diaspora.

Second, it is an assault on the integrity of both of you as mothers. That, to many, was a show of shame.

Sadly too, the shameful trend that happened in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland recently is beginning to rear its ugly head in the United States of America. And that portends a grave danger to our image as a race that is well respected across the world.

The British police, for who they are, might not make any arrest on the ugly situation and scenario; it is not unexpected that they might have the reports of what transpired between both parties. And that reports, might be used against you, your immediate family and others in the future. Especially, for those of you that might have the ambition or intention to hold political offices in the future, remember; ’’A good name is better than gold or silver. “Oruko rere san ju Wura ati Fadaka lo”.

This is the tragedy of your misunderstanding and public stigma.

Across the world, successful people like you usually bring their experiences and exposures to bear in developing   their races and father land. That is why you are where you are as good ambassadors of the Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole.

Don’t forget also the Yoruba age-long proverb that says: “Ile lanwo ki a to somo loruko.

As far as I am concerned, there is nothing bad in being a social media guru, using the various media platforms positively to project your image and the image of your country.

But when you fail to do the right thing, Yoruba race and posterity will definitely not be kind to you.

Therefore, I am using this opportunity and medium to appeal to both of you and your lieutenants in the name of our ancestral father, Oduduwa, the progenitor of Yoruba race, to stop the fracas and toe the line of peace.

Peace is real and it has no alternative.

Ooduduwa a gbeyin, gbogbo yin le ma ko ere oko dele o.

Yours Sincerely,

Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams

Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland.