By Dotun Gbadebo
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has restated his position as the foremost monarch in Yorubaland, citing historical records and British colonial treaties that recognized the Alaafin as the supreme authority of the Yoruba nation.
The assertion comes in the wake of fresh controversy between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, following the conferment of the honorary title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi at a recent event in Ibadan. The title, bestowed by the Ooni, sparked outrage from the Alaafin, who issued a 48-hour ultimatum for its withdrawal, warning of consequences if ignored.
Though the Ooni has yet to respond publicly, the ultimatum has reignited the long-standing rivalry over traditional supremacy between the two ancient thrones.
In a new statement released through his media office on Thursday, Alaafin Owoade anchored his claim on both history and tradition. He argued that Oyo’s rise as a military and political power in pre-colonial West Africa, alongside its vast empire and trading influence, positioned the Alaafin as the natural head of the Yoruba people.
“The British, true to their tradition of recognising lineage and authority, signed a Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the superior head of the Yoruba nation,” the monarch’s spokesman stated, stressing that the Alaafin remains committed to defending Yoruba culture without engaging in unnecessary supremacy battles.
Oba Owoade described himself as a custodian of Yoruba heritage, bound by covenant to protect ancestral traditions and the welfare of his subjects. He emphasised that his reign is guided by service, humility, and a sacred duty to preserve Yoruba identity.
Meanwhile, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has appealed for calm, urging both camps and their supporters to refrain from escalating the dispute through media wars. He insisted that both monarchs remain symbols of unity and should not be dragged into needless rivalry.
Cultural groups have also weighed in. The Think Yoruba First (TYF) socio-cultural association, in a separate press conference, cautioned against historical distortions that could undermine Yoruba identity. The group called for accurate preservation of Yoruba heritage, warning against narratives that diminish Ile-Ife’s role as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation.
As tensions simmer, many Yoruba voices are calling for restraint, reminding all parties that the thrones of the Alaafin and Ooni are sacred institutions whose sanctity must not be compromised in public disputes.
