The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has dismissed reports suggesting that he is locked in a supremacy battle with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over traditional titles in Yorubaland.
Speaking on the heels of the controversy surrounding the conferment of the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” by the Ooni, the Alaafin insisted that he is not engaged in any rivalry with his counterpart in Ile-Ife.
He maintained that his primary concern remains the preservation of Yoruba heritage, peace, and unity, stressing that his throne is not interested in unnecessary power tussles.
“I am not in any supremacy battle with anyone. My focus is on safeguarding our culture, tradition, and the overall well-being of the Yoruba nation,” the monarch said.
The Alaafin, however, underscored the historical significance of the Oyo throne, citing records that position the Alaafin as a key custodian of Yoruba authority and tradition.
Meanwhile, cultural groups and stakeholders have urged both traditional rulers to avoid actions that could breed division, calling for reconciliation and collective leadership in the interest of Yoruba unity.
The Binatech Group of Companies has recognized distinguished personalities with awards for their contributions to the company’s growth and support for its vision.
The award ceremony, held at Waterfield Luxury Hotel, Ibadan, brought together dignitaries from across Oyo State and beyond.
In his address, the Managing Director of Binatech, Engr. Abiodun Adeola, traced the company’s journey from inception, acknowledging the support of stakeholders, staff, and family members. He described the event as a historic moment to appreciate individuals who have stood by the company.
“Today is historic in that it is a day to show appreciation and thank Almighty God for taking us this far. I cannot forget how we started when the journey was rough, but with the support of people around me, and especially my wife, we have been able to reach this milestone,” Adeola said.
Among the awardees were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; the Director-General of Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Hon. Olatilewa Folami; and the Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, Hon. Yemi Taiwo.
Speaking after receiving his award, Hon. Yemi Taiwo commended Governor Seyi Makinde for creating an enabling environment that has encouraged private sector participation in infrastructure development. He noted that Oyo State is now witnessing rapid growth in housing and property development comparable to Lagos State, adding that Binatech has distinguished itself through quality service delivery.
Other recipients of the award included Hon. Ademola Ojo, Commissioner for Local Governments; Hon. Elias Adeojo, Chairman, Oyo State Water Corporation; Hon. Engr. Nureni Adisa, Chairman, Wemabod Limited; Mr. Yusuf Adeojo, MD, Kolomoni Microfinance Bank; Prince Bayo Olaniyan, Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Speaker; Engr. Salaudeen Abiola, Senior Manager, TCN Ayede, Ibadan; Engr. Abu J. Idakwo, MD, Linear Engineering; as well as entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders.
Binatech Group is a conglomerate with interests in civil and mechanical engineering, properties and resorts, and a foundation established to give back to society.
Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa (AOPE), is set to graduate a total of 6,650 students during its 7th, 8th, and 9th combined convocation ceremonies scheduled for this month.
The convocation, which covers the graduating classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024, will be a week-long event graced by the Governor of Oyo State and Visitor to the institution, Engr. Seyi Makinde, alongside other dignitaries.
Speaking at a press conference to herald the ceremony, the Rector, Dr. Gbade Akinteye, disclosed that 1,924 students would graduate from the 2021/2022 set, 2,178 from 2022/2023, and 2,548 from 2023/2024 academic sessions.
As part of the convocation highlights, three eminent Nigerians will be conferred with the Foundation Fellowship Award for their outstanding contributions to education and society. They are: Hon. Sunday Omoyin, a Governing Board Member of TETFund; Prince Adeyinka Afonja, CEO of Ace Supermarket; and Chief Adesoji Aderemi, Managing Director of Oat Construction Nig. Ltd.
Dr. Akinteye emphasized that the convocation signifies more than just a ceremonial gathering, noting that AOPE has continued to experience remarkable growth in line with Governor Makinde’s vision for tertiary education. He recalled that the Polytechnic was recently ranked the third-best in Nigeria by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) at the National Tertiary Admission Performance Merit Award.
Highlighting achievements under his administration, the Rector noted that the institution now enjoys a stable academic calendar, enabling timely graduation of students, prompt NYSC mobilization for HND graduates, and the elimination of frequent disruptions caused by strikes.
“Our Polytechnic has maintained an excellent record of discipline, safety, and academic excellence. We are producing quality graduates, and the progress made over the past three sessions shows we are firmly on track for greater accomplishments,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Governing Council, led by Prof. Kazeem Adeniyi, for its support in steering the institution toward stability and excellence.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially approved the nomination of former governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The approval follows the unanimous endorsement of Ladoja by the Olubadan-in-Council earlier this month, after the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. With the governor’s confirmation, preparations for Ladoja’s coronation and presentation of the staff of office will now begin in earnest.
Governor Makinde, while signing the approval letter, emphasized his administration’s commitment to preserving the dignity of Ibadan’s traditional institution and ensuring a smooth transition in line with the city’s unique succession system.
Ladoja, who previously served as the Otun Olubadan, is set to make history as the first former civilian governor to ascend the ancient throne. His coronation is expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria and the Yoruba diaspora.
The Olubadan stool remains one of the most revered in Yorubaland, with Ibadan’s succession process celebrated for its orderliness and transparency.
The recent statement credited to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, demanding that the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, revoke the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland within 48 hours, is not only disturbing but utterly uncalled for. As a bona fide son of Yoruba land, one who honours and reveres the sacred traditions of our forefathers, I find it necessary to condemn this statement in its entirety.
Tradition, Respect, and Yoruba Heritage
The Yoruba civilization is one of the most sophisticated and ancient in Africa. It thrives on a culture of respect, honour, and collective heritage. In this cultural arrangement, the Ooni of Ife occupies a unique position, not only as the custodian of Ile-Ife—the cradle of the Yoruba race—but also as a co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria alongside the Sultan of Sokoto. To issue an ultimatum to such a revered institution is to undermine not just the person of the Ooni, but the heritage and unity of the Yoruba nation.
A Misstep That Threatens Unity
For centuries, Yoruba monarchs have played complementary roles in ensuring peace, stability, and continuity of our traditions. The Alaafin of Oyo himself is highly respected as a titan and cultural symbol. However, to demand a revocation of a title bestowed by the Ooni is an affront to Yoruba unity. Yoruba land does not belong to one palace or one king—it belongs to all of us, the sons and daughters of Oduduwa.
Rather than issuing threats and ultimatums, what Yoruba people need today is synergy among our royal fathers to address the challenges of insecurity, moral decadence, and socio-economic marginalization. Supremacy battles only weaken us before the eyes of the world.
The Title Okanlomo of Yorubaland Has Come to Stay
Engineer Dotun Sanusi, the worthy recipient of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland, is a son of the soil whose contributions to the growth and progress of Yoruba land cannot be denied. Recognizing such a man with a befitting chieftaincy title should be a source of pride, not controversy. Once the Ooni has spoken, Ase ni Oba ma pa. The title has come to stay; no threats or ultimatums can diminish its value.
A Call to Alaafin: Thread Softly
I therefore call on the Alaafin to tread the path of wisdom and peace. Our ancestors did not labour to hand us a legacy of disunity. Yoruba land belongs to all of us, and our monarchs must rise above rivalry to provide leadership, stability, and inspiration to the younger generation.
History will not remember who won supremacy battles. History will remember who built bridges, who united the land, and who ensured that the Yoruba nation took its rightful place in Nigeria and the world.
By: A Yoruba Son Committed to Unity, Peace, and Honour of Tradition
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has presented a brand new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to renowned gospel singer and media entrepreneur, Dr. Yinka Ayefele.
The presentation which took place in Ibadan, was in recognition of Ayefele’s immense contributions to the state through music, broadcasting, and humanitarian services.
This gesture came days after the fire outbreak that resulted to loss of valuable items at the radio station.
Governor Makinde commended Ayefele for his resilience, talent, and dedication, describing him as a source of inspiration to millions within and outside Oyo State. He added that the gesture was a token of appreciation for Ayefele’s impact in promoting culture, entertainment, and economic growth in the state.
Responding, Ayefele expressed profound gratitude to the governor, noting that the gift would further encourage him to continue serving humanity through his music and media platform, Fresh FM.
The presentation has since generated excitement among Ayefele’s fans and the entertainment community, with many praising the governor’s recognition of creative talents.
The Olukosi of Ilukosi-Ijesa, Oba Omotooyosi Bayo Akinleye, has cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo against extending his authority beyond Oyo State in the ongoing chieftaincy tussle involving the Ooni of Ife.
Speaking on the controversy, the Olukosi stressed that the Alaafin’s powers are limited to Oyo, while reaffirming the Ooni of Ife’s position as the spiritual head of the Yoruba people. According to him, traditional rulers must respect their boundaries to avoid unnecessary conflict.
The statement follows the Alaafin’s recent 48-hour ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” conferred by the Ooni on a businessman. The directive has sparked criticism from Yoruba leaders and traditional stakeholders, who urged peaceful resolution of the matter.
Oba Akinleye reiterated that while the Alaafin remains highly revered within Oyo, the Ooni’s spiritual influence and authority transcend territorial boundaries, serving as a unifying symbol for all Yorubas.
The development adds another dimension to the age-long rivalry between the two historic thrones, highlighting the delicate balance of power in Yoruba traditional leadership.
Governments of Oyo, Osun, and Ogun States have declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a public holiday to mark this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, a celebration of Yoruba traditional religion and culture.
In separate statements, the states noted that the holiday would allow traditional religion adherents and the wider public to meaningfully observe the occasion.
Osun, which first declared the holiday in 2014, reaffirmed its commitment under Governor Ademola Adeleke, while Oyo and Ogun also endorsed the celebration as part of efforts to preserve cultural heritage.
The annual Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day honors Yoruba deities and traditions, promoting cultural inclusivity and the recognition of indigenous practices across the Southwest.
Nigerian billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has revealed why he dropped out of school and never pursued a university degree. In his newly released memoir, Making It Big, Otedola disclosed that he struggled academically from childhood, often finishing at the bottom of his class despite attending good schools.
After completing Lower Sixth at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, he chose not to return for his final year, abandoning formal education altogether. His decision, he explained, stemmed from a deep fascination with his father’s printing press, where he became immersed in learning the trade.
Otedola soon took up full-time work at Impact Press, his father’s company, where he mastered shorthand, typing, and business correspondence. By the age of 25, he rose to become Managing Director of the firm, marking the beginning of his journey into entrepreneurship.
According to him, while academics did not favor him, his passion for practical business laid the foundation for his later success in the oil, energy, and investment sectors.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has rejected the outcome of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Fola Oyekunle, was declared winner with 18,404 votes against APC’s Adewale Olatunji who polled 8,312.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party alleged that the election was marred by vote-buying, intimidation of voters, and collusion between PDP operatives, electoral officials, and security agents.
APC leaders described the result as unacceptable and vowed to seek redress, warning that such practices undermine democracy. Meanwhile, political analysts have described the defeat as a wake-up call for APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the party to strengthen its grassroots appeal in Oyo State.
