Alaafin Says He is Historically Yoruba’s Number One Monarch

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has declared himself the foremost traditional ruler in Yorubaland based on the historical influence of the old Oyo Empire and its contributions to Yoruba civilisation.

The monarch made the remarks during an interview with broadcaster Edmund Obilo on his State Affairs programme, in which he discussed the historical position of the Alaafin’s throne and its relationship with other traditional institutions.

Asked whether the Alaafin was the supreme king in Yorubaland, Owoade responded: “Alaafin is the supreme king in Yoruba land. Historically, yes I am. Alaafin is number one.”

He, however, dismissed suggestions that he was engaged in a contest for traditional dominance with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, or any other monarch.

“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 said.

Owoade’s comments come amid previous disagreements between the Alaafin and the Ooni over traditional authority and the conferment of titles covering Yorubaland.

In August 2025, the Alaafin challenged the Ooni’s conferment of the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi, arguing that the authority to confer such a title belonged exclusively to his throne.

The latest interview also provided an opportunity for the monarch to explain his perspective on the history of the Oyo Empire. He rejected the description of the empire as having fallen, arguing instead that its influence and political power had declined over time.

According to him, the empire began around the 14th century and remained influential until approximately the 18th century.

He said the historical legacy of the empire continued through the towns and communities that emerged from its territories, adding that this heritage informed his decision to establish Oyo Empire Day.

The proposed celebration is intended to bring together communities with historical connections to the empire, preserve Yoruba cultural identity and strengthen ties with descendants living outside Nigeria.

Owoade also 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.

The appointment followed an amendment to the state's Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, 2025, which removed the Alaafin's permanent chairmanship of the council. The monarch was absent at Ladoja’s inauguration.