An international coalition, Justice Group, has vowed to initiate legal action against the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, following the alleged brutal assault and subsequent death of Chief Lukman Ojora Arounfale, the Baba Ọba (King Father) of Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA.
In a statement made available on Monday and signed by Wande Lawrence on behalf of the Justice Group chapters in the USA, Nigeria, South Africa, Europe, and Brazil, the group said the late Chief Arounfale died on April 26, 2025, days after allegedly being assaulted within the private residence of the Alaafin during a visit to the ancient Oyo palace.
The group added that the incident, said to have occurred on April 17, allegedly involved the chief being pushed down a staircase, physically beaten with charms, and subjected to inhumane treatment following a disagreement.
It also claimed that the confrontation stemmed from an argument over the historical royal ties between Oyotunji Village and the Ooni of Ife, particularly when the late Chief Arounfale showed pictures of the Ooni crowning past Oyotunji monarchs.
Late Baba Ọba on his death bed after the alleged assault in the Alaafin’s Palace
The statement reads in part, “The death of Baba Ọba Oyotunji as a result of inhuman assaults received under the watchful eyes and order of Alaafin is an international and high-profile matter that we will fight to the end. Alaafin and his aides will soon be charged to the law court.”
The Justice Group revealed that it has already consulted legal counsel and plans to file a law suit in Nigeria while calling on international human rights organizations to monitor the case and pledged to organize coordinated peaceful protests in both Nigeria and the United States.
The group further criticized the Oyo State Government for what it described as a lack of urgency in investigating the matter.
It said, “ Very unfortunate, the Government of Oyo State has not shown a pertinent response to our clarion call.”
The group also dismissed a press statement reportedly issued by the Alaafin’s palace denying involvement in the alleged assault, calling it “a disappointment” and reiterating that the monarch must appear in court to “prove his innocence.”
Survivors of the visit, including members of the late chief’s entourage who were also allegedly maltreated, are said to have recovered from their injuries.
The Justice Group emphasized that it will not be deterred by threats of spiritual retaliation or intimidation from palace sympathizers.
It said, “We can assure Nigerians we will not be deterred by the threats of confrontation with charms from the sympathizers and palace aides of the suspected perpetrators of the crime.”
The late Lukman Ojora Arounfale, a revered cultural ambassador and traditional leader of Yoruba descent in the diaspora, was described as a scion of the Awori tribe from the Oloofin, Oduduwa dynasty.
He served as the Baba Ọba of Oyotunji African Village, a symbolic Yoruba kingdom in South Carolina, known for preserving Yoruba traditions and culture.
The Justice Group also condoled with the bereaved family and a renewed pledge to ensure justice is served.
