The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has said he is not in any supremacy contest with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, or with any other monarch.
The statement, issued on Thursday in Ibadan by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, followed growing tension over the relationship between the two traditional rulers.
Disputes arose earlier in the week after the Alaafin criticised the Ooni’s conferment of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Oduwa on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the launch of the 2geda social media platform at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan.
According to the palace, Oba Owoade remains committed to the preservation of Yoruba values and traditions while ensuring the welfare and security of his people.
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“He would never compromise tradition, culture, or the development of his people for a pot of porridge,” Durojaiye said in the statement.
The statement added: “He does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe. Alaafin combines humility with royalty to meet modern-day demands.”
It further described the Alaafin as a custodian of Yoruba culture who was inducted into the mysteries of Ifa, Sango and other deities, serving as their representative on earth.
“At the Yoruba ancient shrine, Oba Owoade made a covenant with illustrious ancestors to defend, protect and add glamour to Yoruba norms and traditions,” the statement noted.
The palace also highlighted historical accounts, stating that Oyo rose to prominence through trade and military strength, eventually becoming the largest West African empire.
It emphasised that the British colonial authorities recognised the Alaafin’s lineage as the superior head of the Yoruba nation, signing treaties with the throne.
The release also referenced the enduring cultural and political influence of Oyo, stressing that the monarchy’s principles continue to nurture Yoruba civilisation.
“The basic concept of government was monarchy with a rigid adherence to the Oduduwa dynasty and the paternal line,” the statement concluded.
