The Palace of Oba Yoruba Central Region, under the leadership of Nai Oba Dr. Abdul Salam Adeniyi Amoo Saka, has officially terminated the title and position of Aare Onakakanfo of the Central Region held by Smith Saheed Onilere. This decision, communicated in a letter dated October 2024, follows what the palace described as a series of disrespectful and dishonorable actions by Onilere.
In the letter, the palace outlined several reasons for the termination. Key accusations included a lack of commitment to the community since Onilere assumed the title, absence from palace meetings, and a general disrespect toward the traditions and values upheld by the palace and the Yoruba community. “We haven’t seen any commitment or contributing efforts to the development of our community,” the letter stated, reflecting disappointment with Onilere’s leadership.
Among the grievances listed were Onilere’s failure to attend meetings, misuse of his position and title, and parading himself with self-proclaimed titles without the palace’s authorization. The palace further accused him of disrespecting elders and resigning from the All Nigeria Community without proper consultation with the Yoruba community, which was viewed as undermining their consent.
The termination letter also highlighted Onilere’s actions against His Majesty, Oba Yoruba, the paramount king of the Central Region who ordained him, as well as a lack of respect for the Yoruba Council of Elders, which holds significant authority among the Yoruba community in Ghana. These actions, the letter concluded, rendered Onilere unfit to represent the Yoruba society in Ghana.
As a result, the palace declared that Onilere is no longer recognized as Aare Onakakanfo of the Central Region. “You are no more of the title, which is Aare Onakakanfo of Central Region,” the letter emphasized. Onilere was also warned against continuing to present himself as a chief of the Central Region, with the palace threatening legal action if he does so.
The decision marks a significant moment in the leadership of the Yoruba community in the Central Region, as the position of Aare Onakakanfo holds historical importance as a key leadership role. The palace’s firm stance reflects its commitment to upholding cultural traditions and ensuring that leaders demonstrate respect and responsibility toward the community they serve.
The letter concludes with a final advisory for Onilere, stating, “Legal action will be taken against you by the power of gazette given to this palace,” signaling the seriousness with which the palace is approaching this matter.
This leadership change comes as the palace seeks to restore harmony and respect within the Yoruba community in Ghana, under the authority of Nai Oba Abdul Salam Saka, the paramount Yoruba king in the Central Region.
