South Carolina, U.S. — A Yoruba traditional ruler residing in the United States, Chief Lukman Ojora Arounfale, known as the Baba Oba of Oyotunji African Village, has died after allegedly being assaulted in an incident that has sparked significant outrage and controversy. His death has been linked to a reported confrontation with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, amid ongoing tensions over royal legitimacy and power dynamics within the Yoruba community.
The alleged incident unfolded at the Alaafin’s palace following a meeting on April 17. According to accounts from family members and advocates, Arounfale was attacked alongside his wife and driver, prompting accusations that the Alaafin orchestrated the violent episode. Supporters of the Chief are calling for justice and demanding accountability for those involved in what they describe as a spiteful act of aggression.
Details surrounding the confrontation suggest that Arounfale was lured to the palace under false pretenses. Speaking on behalf of a campaign group advocating for justice, a representative described how the Chief was ambushed in a private chamber filled with palace aides. These aides claimed to be acting under the Alaafin’s directives, setting the stage for a violent altercation that would ultimately lead to Arounfale’s demise.
In a poignant audio message recorded before his death, Arounfale recounted his alarming experience at the palace. He detailed how he was greeted with hostility upon introducing himself and describing his title—bestowed by the Ooni of Ife. This revelation appeared to trigger a severe reaction from the Alaafin, leading to aggressive questioning about his royal claim and a subsequent physical assault.
Arounfale explained that guards at the palace began physically assaulting him as their conversation deteriorated, despite his attempts to address the Alaafin respectfully. He and his wife were reportedly subjected to slaps and punches, with their driver also caught in the fray after inadvertently recording the encounter. The situation escalated further when the Alaafin ordered their arrest, stating they could not leave the premises.
Echoing her husband’s account, Arounfale’s wife described the chaotic scene, emphasizing their initial intentions to meet amicably. The couple’s nightmare unfolded with accusations of deception, further fueled by the complex royal rivalries in the region. Eyewitnesses recount that the Alaafin’s palace was rife with tensions, illustrating the deep divisions within the Yoruba royal hierarchy.
In response to the alarming allegations, representatives from the Alaafin’s palace vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, labeled the assertions as groundless, arguing that Arounfale was welcomed during his visit and dismissing claims of an altercation as fabrications stemming from a dubious online source.
The incident has ignited discussions across the Yoruba community, with many voicing their condemnation of the violence. Some believe Arounfale’s murder could have dire implications for relations among Yoruba rulers, eliciting fears of escalating conflict in a region already fraught with political and cultural complexities. The anchor of a regional media outlet openly criticized those involved, suggesting that the newly ascended Alaafin is now mired in bloodshed just weeks into his reign.
As the mourning continues for Chief Arounfale, family and community members are pressing for justice and calling attention to the need for reform in the manner royalty engages with one another, echoing broader calls for accountability in traditional leadership. The community remains divided, awaiting actions and statements that may clarify the future of royal relations and the cultural landscape within Yoruba society.