Why Alaafin cannot claim supremacy over Ooni – US-based scholar

By Adejayan Gbenga –

A United States-based scholar, Professor Matthew Amusan, has waded into the brewing conflict between the Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife, insisting that the latter remains the foremost traditional ruler in Yorubaland.

Amusan, who lectures in Intercultural Communications at Northwestern University, Minnesota, explained on Splash 105.5 FM, Ibadan, that historical records show the Alaafin’s power base was destroyed by Fulani invaders in 1790, forcing the Oyo people into exile before resettling in Ago-Oja.

He noted that Ibadan later emerged as the dominant military force in Yorubaland, even influencing the selection of Alaafins. This, he said, makes it untenable for the Alaafin to continue laying claim to supremacy over the Ooni of Ife.

“If Oyo is claiming military prowess, then Ibadan should be the one making the claim now. The power the Alaafin is holding onto has been gone since 1790. The Ooni of Ife is the supreme traditional ruler in Yorubaland,” he said.

Amusan further stated that apart from the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, no other Alaafin openly challenged the Ooni’s authority. He recalled that even Adeyemi, despite occasional confrontations in the media, publicly acknowledged the Ooni’s higher status in Yorubaland.

He also cited a 1989 incident during General Ibrahim Babangida’s visit to Ibadan, where the Alaafin stepped aside for the Ooni to stand next to the then Military Governor of Oyo State, Colonel Sasaenia Oresanya, as proof of the Ooni’s superior recognition.

Turning to politics, Amusan lamented the decline of leadership within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State following the deaths of Lam Adesina, Abiola Ajimobi, and Adebayo Alao-Akala. He said the party has been weakened by internal divisions and self-interest.

On national issues, he urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that reforms take time to yield results. He also called for greater voter participation, warning that widespread apathy, as seen in the recent Ibadan North bye-election, undermines democracy.