IBADAN — The supremacy tussle between two of Yorubaland’s foremost monarchs — the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi — has taken a new twist, with the Alaafin insisting that history already settled the question of authority.
In a statement issued through his Director of Media, Mr. Bode Durojaye, Oba Owoade argued that the British colonial authorities had long recognised the Alaafin as the “superior head of the Yoruba Nation” through a signed treaty, citing Oyo’s historical dominance in trade, military power, and governance.
“Oyo rose to prominence through wealth and military skills. It was the largest West African empire, the most important and authoritative of all early Yoruba principalities. More so, the British recognised lineage as meaningful supremacy and legitimacy, preferring to sign the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the superior head of the Yoruba Nation,” the monarch stated.
Oba Owoade, who ascended the throne as the 46th Alaafin five months ago, stressed that he had sworn an oath before Yoruba ancestors to uphold and protect tradition. He maintained he would not engage in any supremacy battle with another Oba, declaring: “Alaafin does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any king, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe.”
While avoiding direct mention of his recent row with the Ooni of Ife — who he had asked to withdraw a chieftaincy title conferred on a business mogul, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi — the Alaafin highlighted his covenant with the Yoruba ancestors to preserve the culture, customs, and welfare of his subjects.
The statement described the Alaafin as “a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition” who governs with humility, royalty, and concern for the prosperity and security of his people.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has appealed for restraint. He cautioned supporters of both monarchs against inflammatory media exchanges that could worsen tensions, stressing that both leaders had assured him of their commitment to unity and peace in Yorubaland.
Oba Alao dismissed the controversy as “unnecessary and speculative,” urging respect for tradition and reconciliation among Yoruba royal institutions.
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