The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has described himself as the number one traditional ruler in Yorubaland, citing the historical influence of the old Oyo Empire and its contributions to Yoruba civilisation.
The monarch, however, said he was not interested in competing with other traditional rulers for supremacy, insisting that his position was based on historical accounts rather than a desire for rivalry.
Owoade made the remarks during an interview with broadcaster Edmund Obilo on State Affairs, in a video shared on YouTube on Thursday.
Asked whether the Alaafin was the supreme traditional ruler in Yorubaland, Owoade responded:
“Alaafin is the supreme king in Yoruba land. Historically, yes I am. Alaafin is number one.”
He was also asked whether he was contesting traditional dominance with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The Alaafin dismissed the suggestion of a rivalry but maintained that the historical role of the Oyo Empire placed his stool at the forefront of Yoruba traditional institutions.
“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.
His comments come amid previous disagreements between the Alaafin and the Ooni over traditional authority and the conferment of chieftaincy titles with implications across Yorubaland.
In August 2025, Owoade criticised the Ooni’s decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi.
Through his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin reportedly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the Ooni to revoke the title, arguing that no other traditional ruler had the authority to confer a title covering the entire Yorubaland.
The Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, subsequently said the monarch had instructed him to ignore the Alaafin’s comments and leave the matter to public opinion.
During the latest interview, Owoade also discussed the history of the Oyo Empire, disputing the description of its eventual decline as a complete fall.
He traced the empire’s origins to the 14th century, saying it began around 1340 and remained influential until its power gradually diminished in the 18th century.
“I wouldn’t say the Oyo Empire fell. The Oyo Empire started in the 14th century, dated back to 1340-something, and it reigned until around the 18th century.
“I wouldn’t say it fell, but in a way, the power had dwindled. It declined. So, that is exactly what happened,” he said.
The monarch argued that the legacy of the empire remained visible in several communities and towns across Yorubaland that trace their historical origins to the old Oyo kingdom.
He said this was part of the reason behind his decision to introduce Oyo Empire Day, an initiative intended to bring together communities with historical connections to the empire.
According to him, the celebration would promote shared heritage, preserve Yoruba identity and provide an opportunity for people in the diaspora to reconnect with their cultural roots.
“That’s exactly what we are trying to do, because definitely, there are a number of towns or cities that emanated from the Oyo Empire. So, we’re trying to come together to celebrate our legacy, to preserve the Oyo and Yoruba identity, and to preserve our culture,” he added.
Owoade also declined to comment on the appointment of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as chairman of the reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Governor Seyi Makinde appointed Ladoja to lead the council following an amendment to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, 2025, by the state House of Assembly.
The amendment removed the Alaafin’s stool as the council’s permanent chairmanship position, marking a departure from the previous arrangement.
The Alaafin was notably absent from the inauguration of Ladoja as chairman, which took place at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat.
When asked whether he was unhappy with Ladoja’s appointment, Owoade declined to comment.
“Well, that’s a question I would, I’m sorry, I wouldn’t want to answer anyway,” he said.
His remarks have again drawn attention to the historical and institutional differences surrounding traditional leadership in Yorubaland, particularly the respective positions of the Alaafin, Ooni and other prominent monarchs.
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