Owoade Reminds Ooni that UK Recognised Alaafin as Yoruba Supreme Leader
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has declared that the British colonial authorities once signed a treaty with the Alaafin, acknowledging him as the supreme head of the Yoruba nation. The monarch made this known on Thursday while addressing the recent controversy surrounding the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland, which was conferred on businessman Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, at an event in Ibadan.
The decision by the Ooni to bestow the title triggered tensions between the two royal stools. Earlier in the week, the Alaafin, through his media aide Bode Durojaye, had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni to withdraw the title or face consequences. The Ooni, however, has not publicly responded to the ultimatum, which expired on Wednesday.
In his new statement, Oba Owoade recalled the history of the Oyo Empire, stressing that it rose to prominence through commerce and military strength, eventually becoming the most dominant Yoruba kingdom. He argued that this legacy, alongside British recognition, established the Alaafin as the foremost ruler in Yorubaland. According to him, the colonial administration chose to sign a Treaty of Cession with the Alaafin, affirming his position as the superior head of the Yoruba people.
The monarch stated that his authority is not in competition with any other Yoruba king and that he remains bound by a covenant with his ancestors to preserve and promote Yoruba culture and tradition. He emphasized that his role is not about supremacy struggles but about upholding heritage, stability, and the welfare of his subjects. He also highlighted the enduring strength of the Alaafin’s throne, rooted in the Oduduwa dynasty and passed down through generations as a paternal lineage of authority.
The palace statement further portrayed the Alaafin as a custodian of Yoruba spirituality, describing him as a representative of deities such as Ifa and Sango on earth. It praised his leadership style, which combines humility with royalty, and noted that his reign has continued to reflect prosperity, peace, and respect for Yoruba values. The Alaafin, the statement added, has sworn to defend the culture and protect his people from any attempt to undermine their traditions.
Meanwhile, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has appealed for calm among supporters of both monarchs, cautioning against media attacks that could drag the revered thrones into disrepute. He insisted that there is no genuine supremacy battle between the Ooni and the Alaafin, stressing that both remain committed to peace and unity within Yorubaland. The Olugbon urged Yoruba sons and daughters across the world to uphold the values of respect, tolerance, and unity rather than fanning unnecessary controversies.
In a related development, the socio-cultural group Think Yoruba First raised alarm over what it described as historical distortions aimed at undermining Yoruba heritage. Speaking at a press briefing, the group’s legal consultant, Oluwatobi Sanwo, condemned a recently published academic book that claimed the Yoruba were not the original inhabitants of Ile-Ife. Sanwo dismissed the claims as false, warning that such narratives amount to cultural defamation and intellectual dishonesty.
He reaffirmed that Ile-Ife remains globally recognised as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, with no credible evidence supporting contrary claims. According to him, the group has submitted petitions to both Nigerian and international institutions and will continue to raise awareness to defend Yoruba identity. He further called on government agencies, universities, and cultural organisations to fund research and strengthen efforts to preserve authentic African history.
