The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has dismissed claims of a supremacy battle with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, or any other Yoruba monarch.
In a statement issued Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the monarch clarified that his recent objections were not rooted in personal rivalry but in the defense of Yoruba tradition and law.
The clarification comes after reports of tension between the Alaafin and the Ooni over the latter’s conferment of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the unveiling of the 2geda social media platform in Ibadan. The Alaafin had earlier given a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the title, arguing that only his throne holds the authority to bestow titles covering the entire Yoruba nation.
Oba Owoade described the Ooni’s action as an affront to tradition and a violation of a Supreme Court ruling, which, according to him, affirmed the Alaafin’s exclusive right in such matters.
Reiterating his position, the statement stressed that the Alaafin remains a custodian of Yoruba culture, bound by tradition and covenant to preserve the heritage of the people. Durojaiye quoted the monarch as saying:
“Why should Alaafin enter into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe? The Alaafin’s concern has always been the will, wishes, and welfare of his people.”
The palace further highlighted the historical dominance of Oyo, recalling its rise as the most powerful Yoruba principality and noting that the British colonial administration once recognised the Alaafin as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation during treaty signings.
The statement also portrayed Oba Owoade as a monarch who blends humility with authority, deeply rooted in Yoruba spirituality through his induction into the mysteries of Ifa and Sango, and committed to safeguarding culture, unity, and development in Yorubaland.
