I’m Not In Supremacy Battle With Any Monarch, Says Alaafin
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has firmly dismissed claims suggesting that he is locked in a supremacy contest with any traditional ruler in Yorubaland, particularly the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
In a statement released through his Media Director, Bode Durojaiye, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Alaafin described the rumours of rivalry as unfounded and mischievous, insisting that his role as custodian of the Oyo throne is focused on preserving Yoruba heritage, promoting peace, and advancing the welfare of his people.
He stressed that the traditional institution should never be reduced to competition for power or influence.
The speculation of a supremacy battle followed the recent conferment of the title “Okanlomo of Oodua” on Ibadan businessman and philanthropist, Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife during the unveiling of the 2geda platform in Ibadan. The development stirred debates across the Southwest, with some commentators suggesting that the move was a challenge to Oyo’s historical influence.
Reacting to these claims, the Alaafin emphasized that his comments were misinterpreted and that he holds no animosity towards the Ooni or any other monarch.
According to him, Yoruba kingship is rooted in respect, cooperation, and service to the people rather than rivalry.
“I am not in supremacy battle with any monarch. The Oyo throne remains committed to upholding our traditions, protecting the dignity of the Yoruba race, and fostering unity among our people. My mission is service, not conflict,” the Alaafin declared.
The tension, however, has drawn the attention of the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, who has appealed to both monarchs and Yoruba elders to work together in the spirit of unity.
Adams warned that allowing traditional rulers to be portrayed as rivals at a time when the Southwest faces security and economic challenges could weaken the region’s collective strength.
Adding another layer to the debate, legal experts have cautioned against claims that the Alaafin has an exclusive Supreme Court-backed authority over chieftaincy titles in Yorubaland.
They clarified that no such judgment exists, urging royal institutions to avoid interpretations that could stoke unnecessary divisions.
Despite the controversies, both the Alaafin and the Ooni have signalled that they are unwilling to escalate tensions, while ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts by Yoruba elders seek to ease the situation.
Cultural leaders across the region have also appealed for restraint, stressing that constant public disputes could erode the reverence traditionally accorded to the royal stools.
With the Alaafin’s latest clarification, attention is now shifting to how both monarchs, alongside other Yoruba traditional leaders, can strengthen collaboration to safeguard cultural values and provide moral leadership in addressing the region’s current challenges.
