03/01/2026
The individuals responsible for creating and circulating these images are acting in clear contradiction to the core principles of Omoluàbí. Within Yoruba ethical philosophy, respect for authority, elders, and sacred institutions especially kingship, is not optional; it is foundational.
To depict a Yoruba king in a dehumanizing or mocking form, regardless of intent, is a profound violation of Yoruba cultural values. Historically, even during periods of intense political rivalry or inter-kingdom conflict, Yoruba societies maintained strict symbolic respect for the institution of ọba (kingship). Criticism existed, but it followed culturally sanctioned forms proverbs, oral poetry, or council deliberations not ridicule that strips the king of dignity.
This raises an important concern: if such imagery can be produced by insiders, what boundaries remain when outsiders engage with Yoruba history and symbols? The danger is not merely insult, but the gradual erosion of shared cultural ethics that once governed disagreement and historical memory.
At this point, it is necessary for the custodians of these two royal institutions to publicly address their people. Silence can be misinterpreted as consent. Clear guidance should be given to discourage the circulation of materials that deepen division, misrepresent history, or portray Yoruba identity as internally hostile and unserious.
Ultimately, this is not about defending any single kingdom over another. It is about preserving the collective dignity of the Yoruba people and resisting narratives whether internal or external that fracture our shared heritage. A culture that mocks its own sacred symbols weakens its ability to demand respect from the world.