Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State has called on traditional rulers in the South West to eschew bitterness and bickering for the transformation of the zone.

He made the call at the grand finale ceremony marking the 70th birthday of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. The call came just as the former governor of the state, Dr. Omololu suggested that the most worthy Yoruba man qualified to assume the mantle of Yoruba leadership is former military governor of the old western states, General Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd).

While stressing that there should not be any controversy in the choice of a Yoruba leader, he stated that the former governor of Lagos State, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu should be the deputy leader of the zone.

According to him, "my intuition tells me that Robert Adeyinka Adebayo is by far the most qualified person to assume the honorific title of "Leader of the Yoruba". I see or know no one near him".

The ceremony which attracted many dignitaries and traditional rulers from all parts of the country was celebrated in grand style. But, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi were conspicuously absent at the ceremony. When called on phone to know the reason for his absenteeism at the ceremony, Oba Oyewumi who spoke through his personal assistant, said the monarch was not invited.

Among those that added glamour to the occasion were the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao.