I’m Yoruba’s Number One Monarch Historically- Alaafin
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has described himself as the number one traditional ruler in Yorubaland, citing the historical significance of the old Oyo Empire and its contributions to Yoruba civilisation.
The monarch, however, said he was not interested in competing with other traditional rulers for supremacy.
Speaking on the historical position of the Alaafin’s stool, he maintained that the institution occupied a prominent position in the political structure of the old Oyo Empire.
Asked if Alaafin is the supreme king in Yoruba land, he said, “Alaafin is the supreme king in Yoruba land. Historically, yes I am. Alaafin is number one.”
Asked if he is contesting for traditional dominance with the Ooni of Ife, Owoade said, “I don’t fight for supremacy or whatever with anybody. But all I know is that historically, if you want to go by history and then the contribution of Yoruba civilisation, then I would say that Alaafin is number one.”
The monarch’s comments come amid previous disagreements between him and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over traditional authority and the conferment of chieftaincy titles covering Yorubaland.
In August 2025, the Alaafin faulted the Ooni’s decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi.
Through his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni to revoke the title, arguing that no traditional ruler other than him had the authority to confer a title covering the entire Yorubaland.
The Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, subsequently said the monarch had directed him to ignore the Alaafin’s outburst and leave the matter to public opinion.
However, speaking in the interview, Owoade traced the Alaafin’s authority to the origins of the Oyo Empire, saying its influence remained significant despite the changes that had occurred over the centuries.
Asked about the fall of the Oyo Empire, the monarch disagreed with the description, arguing that its power had declined rather than disappeared.
“I wouldn’t say the Oyo Empire fell. The Oyo Empire started in the 14th century, dated back to 1340-something, and it reigned until around the 18th century.
“I wouldn’t say it fell, but in a way, the power had dwindled. It declined. So, that is exactly what happened,” he said.
He added that the spirit of the empire remained alive, noting that several communities and towns across Yorubaland had historical connections to the old Oyo Empire.
The Alaafin said this informed his decision to introduce Oyo Empire Day, an initiative aimed at bringing together communities that originated from the empire to celebrate their shared heritage.
“That’s exactly what we are trying to do, because definitely, there are a number of towns or cities that emanated from the Oyo Empire. So, we’re trying to come together to celebrate our legacy, to preserve the Oyo and Yoruba identity, and to preserve our culture,” he said.
He explained that the celebration would also provide an opportunity for descendants of the empire, including those living in the diaspora, to reconnect with their roots.
Owoade declined to comment on Governor Seyi Makinde’s appointment of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as chairman of the reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The appointment followed an amendment to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, 2025, by the state House of Assembly, which removed the Alaafin’s stool as the council’s permanent chairman.
The development marked a departure from the previous arrangement under which the Alaafin occupied the permanent chairmanship of the council.
At the inauguration of Ladoja as chairman, held at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, the Alaafin was conspicuously absent.
Asked whether he was unhappy with Ladoja’s appointment, Owoade declined to respond.
“Well, that’s a question I would, I’m sorry, I wouldn’t want to answer anyway,” he said.
