The race to become the next Alaafin of Oyo, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious royal thrones, was marked not only by deep-rooted tradition but also by fierce competition, intrigue, and some unexpected twists. Prince Ayobami Ladigbolu, a prominent contender for the throne, recently took to social media to reflect on his journey, expressing both disappointment and profound lessons learned during the contest.
On Tuesday, January 13, 2025, Prince Ladigbolu posted a heartfelt message on his Facebook page, congratulating the newly crowned Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and acknowledging his divine destiny. But beneath the cordial public congratulatory words was a tale of betrayal and loss, one that painted a picture of how money played a pivotal role in the contest for the prestigious throne.
“I’ve learned more about the value of money than I ever thought I would in my life,” Ladigbolu admitted in his post. The prince’s candid statement shed light on a painful truth: his supporters, whom he once counted on, had abandoned him in favor of other candidates when financial promises were made.
“I was deeply disappointed when some of the people who first supported me eventually switched allegiances, not for reasons of principle or royal heritage, but because of financial incentives,” he revealed. “When I needed their support, they turned their backs on me. It was a hard lesson, but one I now understand. Money influences many decisions in life, even royal matters.”
The Oyo Throne and the Power of Money
The significance of the Alaafin stool in Yoruba culture cannot be overstated. As the spiritual and political leader of the Oyo Empire, the Alaafin wields immense power and influence. Over the years, competition for the throne has often been marred by internal politics, family rivalries, and, in some cases, the pursuit of personal gain.
This year’s contest, which saw the ascension of Oba Abimbola Owoade, was no different. Prince Ladigbolu’s revelation has opened a window into the complex nature of such a contest. Beyond the ceremonial aspects and traditional values, the financial stakes were undeniably high, with some supporters willing to switch loyalties for material gain.
“I am not angry with those who abandoned me,” Ladigbolu continued. “In fact, I’ve learned to accept their decisions. It’s just a part of life. But I’ve also learned the hard way that in this race, personal interests often outweigh principles.” His words hint at the intricate web of loyalty, money, and power that defines the politics of royal succession.
The Agbonhin Sanda Oridota Family’s Role
Despite the setbacks, Prince Ladigbolu expressed deep gratitude towards the Agbonhin Sanda Oridota family and the larger Ladigbolu section of the Agunloye royal family, who stood by him throughout the race. He thanked them for nominating him as a candidate for the throne, underscoring the value of family support and tradition in the contest.
“I am especially thankful to the Agbonhin Sanda Oridota family and the Ladigbolu family for their unwavering support,” he said. “Their faith in me gave me strength and courage throughout this challenging period. Royalty is not just about position; it’s about the people who stand by you.”
Prince Ladigbolu’s words resonate with the wider Oyo populace, who view the Alaafin title as a symbol of unity, leadership, and strength. His acknowledgment of family support brings to light the importance of tradition and heritage in a contest that has often been reduced to a financial game.
A Show of Camaraderie Amidst Rivalry
Amidst the fierce competition, Prince Ladigbolu expressed admiration for the other candidates, particularly Prince Kolade Tunde Sanni Oladigbolu and Prince Muideen Adekunle Oladigbolu, whom he referred to as “blood brothers.” Despite the bitter contest for the throne, the princes have maintained a strong sense of camaraderie, proving that royal aspirations, while intense, can also foster unity among those vying for the same title.
Ladigbolu’s message also highlighted the shared experiences of the contestants, stating that they had engaged in constructive discussions and even forged strong relationships during the contest.
“We may have competed for the throne, but I see these men as my brothers,” he stated. “We shared a journey that, for better or worse, brought us together.”
A Call for Unity and Support for the New King
In the final part of his statement, Prince Ladigbolu called for unity among the people of Oyo, urging them to rally behind the newly crowned Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade. Despite the controversies that often accompany royal contests, Ladigbolu urged the people to focus on what truly matters: the progress of Oyo town and the greater Yoruba land.
“I call on the good people of Oyo to support the new Alaafin. Leadership is about collective progress, not individual ambitions. Let us put aside any lingering disputes and work together for the prosperity of Oyo and the entire Yoruba nation,” he implored.
His appeal for unity reflects the larger spirit of Yoruba culture, which emphasizes community strength and mutual respect for leadership. Ladigbolu’s words could be seen as an attempt to heal any divisions that might have been caused by the contest, ensuring that the new Alaafin’s reign is one marked by peace and progress.
The Future of Oyo and Its Royalty
As Oyo enters a new chapter under the leadership of Oba Abimbola Owoade, the lessons from the recent contest for the throne will linger. The role of money in the contest for the crown has been laid bare, but the call for unity, loyalty, and the importance of family support remains a core value.
Prince Ladigbolu’s reflections, though painful, provide important insights into the complexities of traditional leadership contests in Nigeria. In the end, the real question is whether these lessons will be heeded by future contenders for the throne, and whether they will shape the future of the Oyo Kingdom.
The Alaafin of Oyo is one of the oldest and most revered traditional titles in Nigeria, dating back over 500 years. The Alaafin is seen as a symbol of power and tradition, not just for Oyo but for the entire Yoruba ethnic group. Over the years, the succession to the throne has often involved intense competition, political maneuvering, and, at times, financial influences.
In this latest race, the appointment of Oba Abimbola Owoade has been seen by many as a moment of divine destiny, while others, like Prince Ladigbolu, have expressed disappointment over the role of money in the contest.