The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has described himself as the number one traditional ruler in Yorubaland, citing the historical influence of the old Oyo Empire and its contributions to Yoruba civilisation.
The monarch made the assertion during an interview with broadcaster Edmund Obilo, where he was asked whether the Alaafin was the supreme king in Yorubaland.
“Historically, yes. If you want to go by history and the contribution of Oyo to Yoruba civilisation, then I would say that the Alaafin is number one,” he said.
Dismisses Supremacy Rivalry
Oba Owoade dismissed suggestions that he was competing with other prominent Yoruba monarchs, particularly the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, over traditional supremacy.
“I don’t fight for supremacy or whatever with anybody,” he said.
Speaking about his commitment to the Yoruba race, the Alaafin said he regularly prayed for the progress of the people, adding that the success of Oyo would bring honour to the entire Yoruba race.
“I believe that when Oyo succeeds, the Yoruba in their entirety get honoured. That’s my belief,” he said.
His comments come amid renewed attention to the long-running supremacy debate between the Alaafin and the Ooni.
In August last year, the disagreement resurfaced after Oba Owoade gave the Ooni a 48-hour ultimatum to revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title conferred on Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi.
The Alaafin argued that the Ooni’s instrument of office limited his authority to three council areas in Osun State and accused him of acting unlawfully.
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He warned that the Ooni would face unspecified consequences if the title was not withdrawn within 48 hours.
However, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said the monarch would not respond officially to the threat.
Olafare described it as an “empty threat” and said the Ooni had directed him not to issue a press release on the matter.
Alaafin Speaks on Oyo Development
During the interview, Oba Owoade also expressed optimism about ongoing infrastructure projects in Oyo, particularly the proposed circular road and its planned dualisation.
He said the project, which would connect areas including Infinity and Sabo, would improve the city’s appearance and contribute to its development.
The monarch also discussed the forthcoming Oyo Empire Day, describing it as a three-day celebration expected to attract about 40,000 people.
According to him, the event is designed to bring together communities and people historically connected to the old Oyo Empire, regardless of their present locations.
He said the celebration would provide an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, preserve Yoruba culture and discuss the future of coming generations.
Explaining why the event was named Oyo Empire Day rather than Oyo Day, the Alaafin said the empire’s historical reach extended beyond the present-day Oyo community.
“The Oyo Empire comprises a number of people and cities, not just one. That’s why we are trying to make sure that we come together, reconnect to our roots, preserve our culture, deliberate on how to move forward and make a better future for our children together,” he said.
Plans Hall of Fame
Oba Owoade further disclosed that a Hall of Fame would be established as part of the celebration to recognise individuals and communities that had contributed to Yoruba civilisation, Oyo Empire history, culture and heritage.
He added that attendance would be open to everyone interested in Yoruba culture, irrespective of ancestral ties to Oyo.
“Everybody is invited. If you are a lover of culture, you love the way Oyo is doing its things, you are part of it. We are not excluding them,” he said.
On expectations surrounding his reign, the monarch urged the people to remain optimistic, describing himself as resilient and determined to make a positive impact.
“I am a go-getter and very resilient. I don’t give up easily. I try as much as possible to make a positive impact wherever I belong to,” he said.
