The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has dismissed reports of a supremacy tussle with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, insisting that his focus remains on the preservation of Yoruba culture and the welfare of his people.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, from Ibadan, the monarch described as “misleading” reports suggesting a fresh rift between the two foremost Yoruba traditional rulers.
The controversy followed the Ooni’s recent conferment of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the launch of the 2geda social media platform in Ibadan.
Earlier in the week, Oba Owoade had raised objections, arguing that the authority to bestow titles covering Yorubaland rests solely with the Alaafin.
However, in the latest clarification, the Alaafin stressed that he was not seeking to engage in a rivalry with the Ooni or any other monarch.
Instead, he highlighted his historical role as custodian of Yoruba tradition, noting that successive governments, including the British colonial administration, had recognised the Alaafin’s throne as the superior head of the Yoruba nation.
Quoting the monarch, Durojaiye said:
“Why should the Alaafin enter into any battle of supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere else? The position of the Alaafin is rooted in history, tradition, and the covenant made with our ancestors.”
The statement further portrayed Oba Owoade as a leader combining “humility with royalty,” while being spiritually invested through rites linked to Yoruba deities such as Ifa and Sango.
It added that the Alaafin’s authority was anchored not just in tradition, but also in the will of his people.
“He would never compromise the culture and development of his people for any personal gain,” it read.
Recalling Oyo’s historical prominence, the palace noted that the city’s power was established through wealth, military might, and treaties signed under colonial rule, which recognised the Alaafin as the head of the Yoruba nation.
