The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has dismissed claims of being in a supremacy tussle with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, or any other monarch within or outside Yorubaland.
The monarch made this known in a statement released on Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The clarification comes amid reports of a fresh rift between the two first-class monarchs following Alaafin Owoade’s criticism of the Ooni’s decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Oduwa on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the unveiling of an indigenous social media platform, 2geda, at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan, last weekend.
According to the statement, Oba Owoade, who described himself as a custodian of Yoruba tradition and values, said his reign is guided by the welfare, safety, and prosperity of his subjects, and not by rivalry.
“Alaafin does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe,” the statement read. “He has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects and will never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot of porridge.”
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The palace further emphasised the Alaafin’s historical significance as a descendant of Oranmiyan, son of Okanbi and grandson of Oduduwa, adding that Oyo’s prominence in Yoruba history and its recognition by the British colonial authorities underscore the enduring legitimacy of the Alaafin’s throne.
Oba Owoade was also described as a monarch who “combines humility with royalty to meet modern-day demands” while remaining a representative of Yoruba deities on earth, having been inducted into the mysteries of gods such as Ifa and Sango.
The statement concluded that the Alaafin remains committed to preserving Yoruba tradition, protecting the welfare of his people, and strengthening the cultural and political heritage of the Oyo Empire without engaging in supremacy battles.