Like a proverbial star rising in broad daylight begging for divination, so is the recent development and attendant circumstances surrounding the crowning of fourteen kings in Oyo town. This development deserves honest appraisal devoid of sentiment, in order to properly assess how this political game plan affects Oyo and its people, with or without “Ahoros,” both at home and abroad.
No doubt, the pride of the average Oyo indigene lies in the enduring legacy of a proven traditional epicentre, with the revered throne of the Alaafin of Oyo as the only imperial majesty and political head of the Yoruba race. The administrative prowess of the king and the Oyomesi in council has no equal among our people.
Though some argue that our empire fell, we rose again to enviable greatness. Oyo is Oyo, let us put an end to divisive tendencies. Awenibon and Oja, who founded their “Agos” or “Ahoros” at Aawe and Oyo Atiba respectively, were sons of Oyo on hunting expeditions in search of new settlements for all. The agreement between Oja and Atiba was not by coercion but by concession. Only Atiba Latunbosun Atobatele (Orunnmogege, Ajotamomi, Sentele Ayi Bi Egbo Tipetipe) possessed the royal blood to rebirth and lead the new Oyo, and his bloodline subsists till today. Oja and Atiba were in-laws, a testament to the cordial relationship between them.
No matter how long a rope may be, it must have a source—Oyo Ile was that source. For nearly two hundred years, we have lived together in our new home in peace and harmony as one people destined by God. Like every other town, we have faced challenges, yet we remain Oyo, proud and united.
One of the unique attributes of Oyo is that it derives its political strength from the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo. The power is inherent in the title of the king (Iku Baba Yeye) and revolves around the throne. Any political missile targeted at Oyo kingship is a calculated attempt to deprive Oyo of its essence and to strip it of the influence and benefits meant for its people.
There is no gainsaying that the position of the Alaafin is politically strategic and relevant. No Oyo son or daughter has ascended to the heights of political prominence without the influence of the throne. It is on record that the only female senator from Oyo rode on the “Omo mi, Abuja ya” sentiment, while a returning representative at the Green Chamber leveraged royal advantage. Even politicians from outside Oyo come cap in hand, prostrating before Alase Ekejii Orisa to garner royal blessings and favour.
The agenda appears to transcend merely making Baales and Alahoros wear beaded crowns. Rather, it suggests a premeditated plan to further polarize us, creating dissenting voices on issues of common interest.
Call it an emerging new order or a paradigm shift from the old. But do you foresee any formidable political bloc with far-reaching influence that would bring greater gains to Oyo and its people emerging from these new hamlets? Beyond the beaded crowns, do you foresee any of the new enclave heads championing a collective agenda in Oyo’s name? Instead, they risk being likened to pawns in a larger political chess game.
As a people desirous of the good of our land, embracing this political bait under the guise of a paradigm shift in power may only cloud our focus and lead us nowhere. Modern cities and societies grow into conglomerates through unification of entities—not through retrogressive fragmentation into hamlets under the pretext of development.
The crowning was not done in good faith. Rather, it appears to be a calculated move targeting the nucleus of our political strength and rallying point, so that the centre may no longer hold.
Through such implosion, the enemies of Oyo could once again ride on our disunity. It risks becoming another symphony of destruction, capable of inflicting more damage on our heritage than the early fall of our empire.
Having the kingship of the Alaafin ruffled, his powers diminished, and his influence weakened would be a major catastrophe for Oyo people, Oyo town, and Oyo heritage. It would be a ripple capable of igniting unrest and distracting us from the vision of a progressive Oyo.
May Oyo recover from this blow and continue to wax stronger.
May things never fall apart again in Oyo.
AYANKOSO A. S.
14th February, 2026
11:59 p.m.