The Palace of the Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adeshola Lawal, has issued a statement addressing the controversy surrounding a viral video involving him and Sulu Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin.
The video, which drew widespread condemnation, showed Oba Lawal greeting the Emir while on bended knees.
According to the Media Assistant to the Timi of Edeland, Tijani Abdulraheem Adekilekun, the gesture was an act of respect and courtesy, not a diminishment of the Timi’s throne.
In Yoruba culture, respect for elders and traditional rulers is paramount, and Oba Lawal’s actions were in line with these customs. The palace clarified that the Timi of Edeland bent to exchange pleasantries with the Emir due to the latter’s inability to stand, possibly because of age or health-related reasons.
The video, which has been widely shared on social media, was reportedly misconstrued by many viewers. The palace noted that the Emir did not rise to greet any of the guests present, including Oba Lawal, during the event.
The statement called for restraint in public commentary and appealed for respect for the customs and traditions of the Yoruba people. The palace expressed gratitude for the concerns raised by members of the public but emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity.
“It is essential to understand the context behind traditional practices to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings,” the statement added.
The Timi of Edeland remains one of the most revered traditional rulers in Yorubaland, and the palace reiterated its commitment to preserving the dignity and honor of the institution.
The palace assured the public that Oba Lawal’s actions were consistent with Yoruba customs and traditions, and there was no intention to undermine the throne.
The palace also thanked the public for their continued support and understanding, urging them to focus on unity and respect for cultural heritage.
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