Alaafin remains supreme monarch in Yorubaland — Palace

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Oyo Palace has reaffirmed that Alaafin Abimbola Akeem Owoade I holds undisputed authority among Yoruba monarchs and does not need to engage in any contest of supremacy with other Obas, either within Yorubaland or beyond.

The clarification follows a chieftaincy dispute over the Okanlomo title recently conferred on Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni of Ife, which has stirred debates about royal hierarchies in Yorubaland. The palace stressed that the Alaafin’s leadership and legacy remain firmly established.

In a statement signed by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, the monarch’s life was described as a model of steady progress and dedication. Quoting Alexander Graham Bell, the release noted that effective leaders advance step by step, focusing on practical achievements and the greater good.

The palace highlighted that Alaafin Owoade combines humility with royalty, balancing traditional obligations with modern governance. He has been inducted into the mysteries of Yoruba deities, including Ifa and Sango, and is regarded as their direct representative on Earth.

It added that the Alaafin made a covenant at an ancient Yoruba shrine to preserve and promote Yoruba norms and traditions, stressing that his kingship is deeply rooted in the welfare and wishes of his people in both cultural and political matters.

Tracing Oyo’s history, the release recalled that the city rose to prominence through trade, military might, and wealth. “During the colonial era, the British recognized the Alaafin’s authority, signing treaties with him as the superior head of the Yoruba nation, thereby reinforcing his legitimate supremacy,” the statement said.

The palace also highlighted Oyo’s rich cultural and material heritage, including festivals, historic architecture, traditional crafts, and musical instruments. These resources, it said, continue to shape governance, religion, and economic life, with the Alaafin’s administration committed to preserving and promoting them.

Concluding, the palace reaffirmed that Alaafin Owoade commands respect and loyalty through his service to the people and devotion to Yoruba tradition. “The Alaafin’s leadership remains a beacon of continuity, culture, and stability for Yorubaland,” Durojaiye stated.