Our Reporter
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has dismissed speculations of a supremacy battle with any monarch in Yorubaland, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, stressing that his reign is focused on preserving Yoruba culture, tradition, and the welfare of his subjects.
In a statement released on Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the Alaafin described himself as “a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition” who has no reason to engage in rivalry with fellow royal fathers.
This clarification follows reports of a fresh row between the Alaafin and the Ooni after Oba Owoade faulted the Ooni’s recent conferment of the title Okanlomo of Oduwa on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the unveiling of a new indigenous social media network, 2geda, at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan.
Durojaiye, however, insisted that the Alaafin is guided by service to his people, not competition.
“Why would Alaafin need to get into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe?” he asked. “His Majesty is a custodian of tradition who will never compromise the development of his people for a pot of porridge.”
The palace further underscored Oba Owoade’s legitimacy, noting that history and tradition had long established Oyo as a central seat of Yoruba civilisation.
“Oyo rose to prominence through wealth gained from trade and military skills. It became the most authoritative of the Yoruba principalities, with the British colonial administration itself recognising the Alaafin as the superior head of the Yoruba nation when signing treaties,” the statement added.
The palace also highlighted the Alaafin’s covenant with the Yoruba ancestors to defend and uphold cultural values, portraying him as both a spiritual and political leader.
“Kabiyesi, Iku Baba Yeye, Alase, Ekeji Orisa, combines humility with royalty to meet modern-day demands. He was inducted into the mysteries of various Yoruba deities to be their representative on earth,” the statement noted.
Oba Owoade, the statement emphasised, remains committed to a governance style rooted in heritage, security, and prosperity for his people.
“His Majesty operates a government judged by results. The prosperity, security, and well-being of the people dictate his popularity both in the palace and across the empire,” it said.
Historically, the Alaafin of Oyo has been a central figure in Yoruba polity. The Oyo Empire once stood as the largest West African state, shaping the region’s political, cultural, and spiritual identity. The ongoing discourse between traditional rulers, observers note, underscores the enduring influence of monarchy in Nigeria’s socio-cultural landscape.