Alaafin of Oyo Denies Supremacy Battle, Reaffirms Role as Custodian of Yoruba Tradition

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has denied any rivalry with fellow Yoruba monarchs.

He said his focus remains on preserving culture, tradition, and the welfare of his people.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has dismissed claims of a supremacy tussle with any monarch in Yorubaland, insisting that his focus remains on safeguarding Yoruba culture and tradition.

The monarch made this known in a statement released on Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, amid reports of tension between him and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

The disagreement reportedly followed the Ooni’s conferment of the title ‘Okanlomo of Oduwa’ on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the launch of an indigenous social media platform, 2geda, held at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan, over the weekend.

In the statement, the Alaafin emphasized that he holds no rivalry with any traditional ruler, stressing that his responsibility is to uphold the dignity of Yoruba heritage while prioritizing the welfare and progress of his people.

Citing a famous reflection on success by Alexander Graham Bell, the palace noted that Oba Owoade’s reign has been guided by steady growth, wisdom, and perseverance, qualities which it said have defined his leadership.

The statement added that the Alaafin would never compromise the values of tradition or the development of his subjects for personal gain, noting that history had consistently favored his reign since ascending the throne of his forefathers.