‘I don’t fight for supremacy, but historically, I’m number one’ — Alaafin

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has said he does not engage in supremacy contests with other traditional rulers.

Mr Owoade made the statement during an interview with Edmund Obilo on State Affairs, where he maintained that the Alaafin’s throne occupies the foremost position in Yorubaland.

The video was posted on Mr Obilo’s YouTube page on Friday.

His remarks follow a reported disagreement with the Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, over the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title, which Mr Ogunwusi bestowed on businessman Dotun Sanusi.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the Alaafin challenged the Ooni’s decision, describing it as an abuse of authority, an affront to his institution and a breach of traditional customs and the law.

Asked if his relationship with the Ooni of Ife involved a contest for traditional dominance, Mr Owoade said: “Alaafin is the supreme king in Yoruba land. Historically, yes I am. Alaafin is number one. Well, that’s a very good question anyway.

“I don’t fight for supremacy or whatever, you know, 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.”

Oyo State Council of Obas

Furthermore, the Alaafin 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.

This newspaper earlier reported that the Oyo State House of Assembly stripped the Alaafin stool of its permanent chairmanship of the council through the amended Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, 2025.

At the inauguration of Oba Ladoja as chairman, held at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, the Alaafin was conspicuously absent, marking the formal commencement of the new law.

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When asked whether he was unhappy with Oba Ladoja’s appointment, Mr Owoade declined to respond.

“Well, that’s a question I would, I’m sorry, I wouldn’t want to answer anyway”, he added.

The Alaafin also announced plans for the maiden edition of Oyo Empire Day, scheduled for 17 to 19 December in Oyo City, Oyo State.

He said the three-day event would attract up to 40,000 attendees.

“The Oyo Empire Day is a three-day event. We are expecting a large crowd. We’re expecting up to 40,000 people.”