The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has declared himself the number one traditional ruler in Yorubaland, insisting that his position is rooted in history and the contributions of the old Oyo Empire to Yoruba civilisation.
The monarch made the declaration during an interview with broadcaster Edmund Obilo on his State Affairs programme, where he dismissed suggestions that he was engaged in a supremacy contest with other prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, particularly the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
Speaking during the interview, Oba Owoade maintained that historical records and the influence of the old Oyo Empire supported the Alaafin’s position as the foremost traditional institution in Yorubaland.
“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 the contribution of Yoruba civilisation, then I would say that Alaafin is number one,” he said.
His remarks come amid previous disagreements between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife over the conferment of the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman, Chief Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni in August 2025. The Alaafin had challenged the authority behind the conferment, insisting that no other monarch had the right to award a title covering the entire Yorubaland.
The Alaafin also spoke about the historical significance of the Oyo Empire, arguing that its influence declined over time rather than completely disappearing. He disclosed plans for the maiden Oyo Empire Day celebration, scheduled for December 17–19, 2026, to bring together communities historically connected to the empire, preserve Yoruba heritage and promote cultural unity.
The monarch further 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.
He said the proposed Oyo Empire Day would also provide an opportunity for descendants of the empire, including those in the diaspora, to reconnect with their ancestral roots and celebrate their shared heritage.