The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has described himself as the foremost traditional ruler in Yorubaland, grounding the claim in the historical significance of the old Oyo Empire and its contributions to Yoruba civilisation.
Speaking in an interview with broadcaster Edmund Obilo on the programme State Affairs, a video of which circulated widely on Thursday and Friday, the monarch was asked whether the Alaafin is 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,” Oba Owoade said.
He reiterated: “Alaafin is the supreme king in Yoruba land. Historically, yes I am. Alaafin is number one.”
The traditional ruler, however, stressed that he is not engaged in any contest for supremacy with other prominent Yoruba monarchs, particularly the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
“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,” he stated.
Oba Owoade also expressed his commitment to the progress of the Yoruba people, noting that he regularly prays for their advancement. “I believe that when Oyo succeeds, the Yoruba in their entirety get honoured. That’s my belief,” he said.
The comments come against the backdrop of earlier tensions between the Alaafin and the Ooni over traditional authority, including a dispute in August 2025 concerning the Ooni’s conferment of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi. At the time, the Alaafin had challenged the title, arguing that the Ooni’s instrument of office limited his authority.
The Alaafin declined to comment on the recent appointment of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as chairman of the reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
His remarks were made ahead of the planned maiden Oyo Empire Day celebration scheduled for December 17 to 19, 2026, an event the monarch has said is aimed at reconnecting people to their roots, preserving Yoruba culture and deliberating on the future of the coming generations.
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