No supremacy battle with Ooni of Ife – Alaafin
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has dismissed claims of a supremacy tussle between him and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the reports as baseless and urged the public to disregard them.
He was reacting to a viral video suggesting he ordered an assault on the father of another monarch. The Alaafin strongly condemned the video, calling it false and malicious.
The statement explained that the Oyotunji village in the United States traces its roots to Oyo town. It recalled how, during the reign of the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Oyotunji people visited Oyo and were warmly received.
Following Alaafin Owoade’s coronation, the Oyotunji monarch visited to pay homage and was also given a warm reception. The statement questioned the credibility of the video, noting it bore no correlation with the alleged incident.
It added that no reasonable traditional ruler would attack a fellow monarch, especially one with ancestral ties to Oyo. Such behavior, the Alaafin noted, would be beneath the dignity of his office.
The Alaafin reaffirmed his commitment to upholding Yoruba heritage, promoting peace, and maintaining moral and spiritual integrity in his leadership.
He concluded that he harbors no rivalry with any monarch, including the Ooni of Ife, and is focused on the progress of Oyo town and the upliftment of the Yoruba people.
