By Francis Ezediuno

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 condemnations showed Oba Lala 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 the Yoruba culture, respect for elders and traditional rulers is paramount and Oba Lawal’s actions were in line with these customs.

“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 palace clarified in its statement.

He said 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 which called for restraint in public commentary also appealed for respect for customs and traditions of the Yoruba people.

“We appeal to the public to respect the customs and traditions of the Yoruba people and refrain from making inflammatory remarks,” he said.

The palace expressed gratitude for the concerns raised by members of the public but emphasised 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 honour of the institution.

“We assure 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 stated.

The palace also used the opportunity to thank the public for their continued support and understanding, urging them to focus on unity and respect for cultural heritage.