The death of His Royal Highness Chief Lukman Ojora Arounfale, the Baba Oba of Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, has sent shockwaves throughout the Yoruba community. Chief Arounfale, an American citizen who had lived in the United States for over four decades, died following an alleged assault ordered by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about the accountability of traditional rulers.
According to reports, Chief Arounfale was attacked alongside his wife and driver after a meeting at the Alaafin’s palace on April 17, 2025. The injuries he sustained reportedly led to his death. His family and supporters have publicly accused the Alaafin of masterminding the brutal attack.
In a posthumous audio recording obtained by SaharaReporters, Chief Arounfale emotionally recounted his harrowing experience at the Alaafin’s palace. He narrated how he was lured to the palace under the pretext of a meeting and was subsequently assaulted by the Alaafin’s guards. Chief Arounfale’s account is a disturbing revelation of the events that led to his death.
The alleged assault has been linked to a violent fallout between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, over matters of royal supremacy. Chief Arounfale’s introduction of himself using his full title, “Baba Oba of Oyotunji,” and mention that his crown came from the Ooni of Ife, seemed to have escalated the conflict.
The Alaafin’s palace has denied any involvement in Chief Arounfale’s death. In a telephone conversation with SaharaReporters, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, dismissed the allegations as entirely baseless. However, the denial has done little to quell the outrage and concerns about the incident.
The death of Chief Arounfale has raised questions about the accountability of traditional rulers and the need for transparency in their dealings. It has also highlighted the complexities of traditional politics and the potential for conflicts between different royal houses.
As the investigation into Chief Arounfale’s death continues, it is essential to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for his death are held accountable. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for traditional rulers to be mindful of their actions and to prioritize the well-being and safety of their subjects.
The Yoruba community is in mourning, and the loss of Chief Arounfale is felt deeply. His legacy as a leader and a champion of Yoruba culture and tradition will be remembered for generations to come.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is crucial to reflect on the importance of traditional rulers in modern society. While traditional institutions play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting community development, they must also be accountable to their subjects and operate within the bounds of the law.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in traditional institutions. Traditional rulers must be willing to listen to their subjects and address their concerns fairly and transparently.
As the Yoruba community comes to terms with the loss of Chief Arounfale, it is essential to ensure that his legacy lives on. His death serves as a reminder of the need for traditional rulers to prioritize the well-being and safety of their subjects and to operate with integrity and transparency.
The investigation into Chief Arounfale’s death must be thorough and transparent, and those responsible for his death must be held accountable. The Yoruba community demands justice, and justice must be served in this case.
In conclusion, the death of Chief Lukman Ojora Arounfale is a tragic incident that has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about royal accountability. As the investigation continues, it is essential to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for his death are held accountable. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for traditional rulers to prioritize the well-being and safety of their subjects and to operate with integrity and transparency.
The Yoruba community will not forget Chief Arounfale’s contributions to the preservation of Yoruba culture and tradition. His legacy will live on, and his death will serve as a catalyst for change and reform in traditional institutions.
Ultimately, the death of Chief Arounfale is a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in all aspects of life. Traditional rulers, like all leaders, must be held to high standards of integrity and accountability.
As the community mourns the loss of Chief Arounfale, it is essential to ensure that his death is not in vain. His legacy must live on, and his contributions to Yoruba culture and tradition must be remembered for generations to come.
The incident serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in all aspects of life. Traditional rulers, like all leaders, must be held to high standards of integrity and accountability.
Source: Sahara Reporters
