The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has made it clear that he is not in any form of supremacy contest with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
Speaking through a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin stated that his primary concern remains the preservation of Yoruba culture, values, and the welfare of his people. He also reaffirmed his role as a key custodian of Yoruba heritage, which he said is rooted in centuries-old tradition.
The statement comes in response to public debates and media reports surrounding a recent disagreement between the Alaafin and the Ooni over the conferment of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan-based businessman, Dotun Sanusi.
While both monarchs have strong traditional authority in Yorubaland, tensions flared after questions were raised about who has the ultimate right to bestow such a pan-Yoruba title. However, Alaafin Owoade sought to calm the situation, dismissing any notion of a leadership struggle with the Ooni.
“Why Alaafin does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe? These immortal words of Alexander Graham Bell – ‘The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady accretion,’” the statement read.
Oba Owoade highlighted that Yoruba monarchs should work together to uphold the dignity of their culture and not allow personal or political differences to divide them. He called on traditional leaders across Yorubaland to focus on their primary responsibilities—promoting unity, development, and the well-being of their people.
“Supremacy battles are distractions. What matters is serving our people with integrity and protecting our cultural legacy,” he said.
According to the Alaafin, his leadership is shaped by wisdom, historical responsibility, and respect for the people who look up to him as a symbol of tradition and stability.
He said he does not believe in using the throne as a platform for competition or self-promotion, but rather as a tool for promoting Yoruba pride, values, and identity.
The Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife are two of the most respected traditional rulers in the Yoruba-speaking parts of Nigeria. While the Ooni is considered the spiritual head and guardian of Yoruba origin and ancestry—tracing back to the ancient city of Ile-Ife—the Alaafin is historically regarded as the political and administrative leader of the old Oyo Empire.
Over the years, their roles have evolved, especially as modern governance and politics continue to intersect with traditional institutions. However, both stools still carry significant cultural weight and influence across the South-West and beyond.
Disagreements between holders of these ancient titles are not new, but recent efforts have been made to improve relationships and ensure that differences are resolved respectfully and behind closed doors.
The latest tension reportedly stems from the title of “Okanlomo of Yorubaland,” which was conferred on businessman and philanthropist Dotun Sanusi. The title, which loosely translates to “Outstanding Son of Yorubaland,” was given amid fanfare and controversy over who had the traditional right to grant such a pan-regional honour.
While supporters of both monarchs defended the roles of their kings, the Alaafin used the moment to appeal for calm and clarify his position.
“We must not allow titles to cause disunity among our people. Every Oba has his own area of influence and tradition to protect. These responsibilities should be handled with wisdom, not rivalry,” the statement noted.
Oba Owoade also pointed out that his authority as Alaafin is deeply rooted in Yoruba history and spiritual traditions, not political appointments or media influence.
He said his throne is built on generations of leadership and cultural stewardship, dating back to the Oyo Empire’s rich legacy. He emphasized that his role is not self-assumed but backed by the people he serves and the historical responsibility of the Oyo kingdom.
“We are not here for noise or competition. We are here to guide, to protect, and to preserve. Our thrones are sacred, and we must carry ourselves with the dignity they require,” he said.
The Alaafin concluded by calling for greater unity among Yoruba traditional rulers. He urged his fellow monarchs to set examples for the younger generation by showing maturity, respect, and collaboration in all matters.
He said Yorubaland has enough challenges—from youth unemployment to insecurity and loss of cultural values—that require united efforts from all leaders, traditional and modern.
“In times like these, Yorubaland needs wisdom, not warfare. It needs unity, not division,” he said.
As the public debate fades, the Alaafin’s message serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with occupying one of the most powerful traditional stools in Nigeria—and the need to place service above self.
