I’m the primary conventional ruler in Yorubaland – Alaafin of Oyo

News

By Linda Ikeji
6 November 2026, 5:45 pm

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has described himself because the foremost conventional ruler in Yorubaland, citing the previous Oyo Empire’s historic affect and contributions to Yoruba civilisation.

Speaking throughout an interview with broadcaster Edmund Obilo, the monarch stated his place was rooted in historical past, whereas denying that he was competing with different Yoruba conventional rulers, together with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

“Historically, yes. If you want to go by history and the contribution of Oyo to Yoruba civilisation, then I would say that the Alaafin is number one,” he stated. “I don’t fight for supremacy or whatever with anybody.”

Oba Owoade stated he often prayed for the progress of Yoruba individuals and believed that Oyo’s improvement would profit the broader neighborhood. “I believe that when Oyo succeeds, the Yoruba in their entirety get honoured. That’s my belief,” he stated.

His feedback comply with a dispute between the 2 conventional stools in August final yr over the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title conferred on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni. At the time, the Alaafin gave the Ooni 48 hours to revoke the title, arguing that the Ooni’s instrument of workplace restricted his authority to a few native authorities areas in Osun State.

Oba Owoade alleged that the conferment was illegal and in contempt of an apex court docket ruling. He warned of unspecified penalties if the title was not withdrawn. The Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, subsequently stated the monarch had instructed him to not concern an official response.

“My principal has directed me against issuing a press release on the empty threat. I beg to disappoint you, gentlemen of the press,” Olafare wrote on Facebook. “We cannot dignify the undignifiable with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion, as it is already being treated.”