Alaafin of Oyo Denies Supremacy Battle With Ooni of Ife
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has dismissed reports suggesting that he is engaged in a supremacy battle with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
He said his reign is focused on preserving Yoruba culture, fostering unity, and advancing the welfare of his people, not competing with fellow monarchs.
In a statement issued through his media office, the Alaafin stressed that he remains a custodian of Yoruba tradition and does not see the need to prove superiority over any other ruler. According to him, true leadership lies in humility, heritage, and service to the people.
He emphasized that contests for authority would only distract from the shared progress of Yorubaland.
The clarification followed controversy over the Ooni’s recent conferment of the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the unveiling of a new social media platform.
The Alaafin had earlier objected to the move, citing a Supreme Court ruling that recognized the Alaafin’s historical prerogative to confer titles that cover all of Yorubaland.
He had even issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the title to be withdrawn.
While this sparked speculations of a rift between the two traditional institutions, Oba Owoade insisted there was no supremacy tussle. Quoting Alexander Graham Bell, he noted that success comes from “steady accretion,” adding that his role is to build steadily on the heritage of the throne rather than to engage in rivalry.
Other Yoruba leaders have also called for calm. The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Traditional Council, appealed to supporters of both monarchs to avoid inflammatory remarks, stressing that there was no superiority contest between the thrones.
The Alaafin’s latest statement is being seen as an effort to douse tensions and reassure the public of his commitment to unity. With both the Oyo and Ife palaces holding deep historical and cultural significance in Yoruba history, many observers believe harmony between the institutions is vital to sustaining cultural pride and collective progress in Yorubaland.
