TheNewsGuru

Tag: Alaafin of Oyo

  • Alaafin of Oyo Vs Ooni: Obasanjo weighs in on royal dispute

    Alaafin of Oyo Vs Ooni: Obasanjo weighs in on royal dispute

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, in Oyo Town.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that this visit follows recent tensions stemming from Oba Owoade’s criticism of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, regarding the conferment of the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi.

    The Alaafin had argued that no single monarch possesses the authority to bestow a title with jurisdiction over the entirety of Yorubaland.

    In the wake of the controversy, Obasanjo made his first visit to the monarch on Friday, August 29, since his installation as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in April 2025.

    The former president, who was accompanied by his daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, and a delegation of dignitaries, was warmly received at the palace.

    However, details of the discussions between Obasanjo and the monarch were not revealed at the time of filing this report.

  • Ooni: ‘I am not in supremacy battle with any monarch In Yorubaland’ – Alaafin

    Ooni: ‘I am not in supremacy battle with any monarch In Yorubaland’ – Alaafin

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade has declared that he does not need to be involved in any supremacy battle with any monarch in Yorubaland or anywhere in the world.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Oba Owoade stated this known in a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, on Thursday.

    The Alaafin explained as a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, he has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects at all times and relied heavily on the will and wishes of his subjects.

    Recall that, the feud between Oba Owoade and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, started on Monday after the Alaafin faulted the latter’s decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Oduwa on a businessman, Dotun Sanusi, during the unveiling of an indigenous social media network- 2geda, at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan.

    The Alaafin also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Ooni to revoke the chieftaincy title, but the monarch ignored it.

    The statement reads, “Why Alaafin does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe? These immortal words of Alexander Graham Bell. The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady accretion.

    “It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider, and progressively be able to grasp any theme or situation persevering in what he knows to be practical, and concentrating his thought upon it, who is bound to succeed in the greatest degree” sum up the life voyage of Owoade, an indomitable monarch with an unequalled passion for the great good of all.

    “He (Alaafin) is a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, and 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. The history has been so kind and friendly to Alaafin Owoade publicity since he ascended the throne of his forefathers, as he does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe.

    “Alaafin combines humility with royalty to meet the modern-day demands. Kabiyesi (the king who no one questions). Iku Baba Yeye (The one who commands death/he who is parent to death). Alashe (He who wields authority). Ekeji Orisha (Second-in-command to the gods). The Alaafin was inducted into the mysteries of various gods like Ifa, Sango etc to be the direct representative of these deities on earth.

    “At the hallowed ground of the Yoruba ancient shrine, as Owoade made a covenant with illustrious Yoruba ancestors that he would defend, protect and add glamour to the Yoruba norms and tradition. Oduduwa’s Principal minister and grandson, Oranmiyan (Because Oduduwa begot Okanbi, (an only child and Okanbi begot Oranmiyan, among others, namely Ila-Orangun, Oni-Sabe, Olu-Popo, Ala-Ketu, Oba-Benin) founded the city of Oyo when prolonged drought struck Ile-Ife as a result of people’s emigration.

    “Oyo simply rose to prominence through wealth gained from trade and its military skills. It was the largest West African empire, the most important and authoritative of all the early Yoruba principalities. Moreso, the British, as it was in their tradition, recognised lineage as meaningful supremacy and legitimacy, preferring to sign the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation.

    “In politics also, he is concerned about the sanctity of his position, and whatever happens on the welfare of his people. Customs and all traditional practices of today in government, religion and economic life have had distance, and possibly age-long origins which were based on valid and accepted tenets that emerged from the synthesis and aggregated experience of a particular society.

    “One of such societies is the ancient city of Oyo, reputed for cultural resources that are of rich non-material and material attributes and transmitted through generations. Moreover, the precepts and concepts of Alaafin’s administration have continued to support and nurture the people’s ancient culture and sophisticated civilisation from time immemorial.

    “The basic concept of government was monarchy with a rigid adherence to the monolithic Oduduwa dynasty and of the paternal line.”

  • Alaafin visits Oluwo as Oba Akanbi mulls Alaafin of Iwo title

    Alaafin visits Oluwo as Oba Akanbi mulls Alaafin of Iwo title

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, on Tuesday visited the Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanni, and called for continued relationship between the two towns.

    Owoade, accompanied by his wife, Abiwumi, and other chiefs, said that he came to the town to thank the Oluwo for attending his coronation ceremony in April.

    The traditional ruler also said that Oluwo called to congratulate him when his name was announced as the Alaafin-elect.

    “I came to see Oluwo because he was at my coronation ceremony in April. Even when my name was mentioned as Alaafin-elect, Oluwo called  to congratulate me. It is also good to come around to pay him a courtesy visit”, he said.

    The Alaafin, who noted that Oyo and Iwo had been enjoying good relationship for years, said that he also came to Iwo to ensure that the relationship continued.

    Owoade, who spoke in Yoruba, said that his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had a good relationship with Iwo, hence, the relationship should be sustained

    “Iwo and Oyo have been enjoying good relationship for years, even with my predecessor and I want that relationship to continue”, he said.

    Owoade urged other traditional rulers in Iwo to continue to work with Oluwo with an open mind.

    He said they should also continue to support and cooperate with the traditional ruler for the development of the town.

    In his remarks, Oba Akanbi thanked Alaafin for the visit, adding that it will boost the relationship between the two towns.

    Oluwo, who described the Alaafin title as supreme to all other traditional titles in Yorubaland, said that the title was originally for Oduduwa descendants.

    “I don’t know any other title in Yorubaland that is superior to the Alaafin. Alaafin will continue to be Alaafin because that is the title that Oramiyan adopted and I will also adopt the saying.

    “Henceforth, I will also want to be called Alaafin of Iwo and we will inform government about it”, he said.

    Akanbi also said that with the humility and exposure of the Alaafin, Oyo would witness peace and unprecedented development.

    According to him, the existing good relationship between the town will continue to flourish.

    Owoade was crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in April 2025 as the successor to the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

  • Details of Tinubu’s meeting with Alaafin Of Oyo, wife others emerge

    Details of Tinubu’s meeting with Alaafin Of Oyo, wife others emerge

    President Bola Tinubu on Friday stressed the importance of traditional institutions in the country’s development, calling for more support in implementing policies that directly impact people’s livelihoods.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the President made this known while receiving the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, his wife, Abiwumi, and a delegation of other traditional rulers from Oyo State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    President Tinubu congratulated the Alaafin for his ascendancy to the historic throne, assuring the royal father of his prayers and support.

    “It is a great joy for me and a great honour. Your ascendancy to the throne of your fathers is historic. It is the will of God and the heart of the people.

    “I am following up on your foresight for development, your humility, and the fact that you uphold the traditions of your people.

    “The inherited tradition is the making of the Almighty God. Your ascendancy to the throne, like my becoming a president, is the divine will of the Almighty God,” he said.

    The president noted that the “hurdles, processes, and anxiety” along the way were part of the preparation for the position.

    President Tinubu commended the traditional council for the ease in nominating and crowning the 46th Alaafin following Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s passing on April 22, 2022.

    “I am happy that you have shown character and discipline and uplifted your people’s name, values and culture, even when you were in Canada. I am glad you have become a hope of sustaining the Yoruba race,” he added.

    The president said his administration will continue working with traditional institutions to implement policies to protect and prosper citizens.

    “The peace and stability of our nation require inclusiveness. This job is not one you can do alone. We have to pull ourselves together to build a nation of prosperity.

    “Our priority is still education and Medicare. We want to uplift education and cultural values. Our door is open for participation,” he stated.

    President Tinubu told the king that the sons of the Oyo kingdom serving in his office have done well, including Ambassador Victor Adeleke, State Chief of Protocol, and Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, the Aide-de-Camp.

    Yusuf is the king designate of Ilemonaland in Oyun local council, Kwara State, which traces its ancestry to the Oyo kingdom.

    Oba Owoade Assures Tinubu Of Traditional Support

    The Alaafin, in his remarks, assured the President of the traditional council’s support in delivering his mandate to the people.

    “Today, I speak not just as the custodian of culture and tradition but as a voice for my people, who are deeply honoured by the audience you have granted us here at the heart of the national leadership.

    “Your gracious reception is more than protocol. It is a mark of your character, statesmanship and enduring regard for the traditional institutions. The people of Oyo remember your journey as a man who rose through the crucible of political struggle with unmatched courage and charity. You won many hearts as an activist, strategist, bridge builder, and now as the nation’s foremost leader”.

    The monarch said Nigerians look up to the president for a new direction.

    “Nigeria looks up to you, not only for leadership but for restoration. For a new vision rooted in justice, equity and inclusive progress. It is in that spirit that I have come to seek your collaboration. Oyo is ready, the Yoruba are ready, and Nigerians are ready.

    “We understand that national transformation is not by government alone. It is built when ancient wisdom meets modern governance. When institutions, old and new, work hand in hand,” he said.

  • Alaafin Of Oyo reacts to backlash over refusal to stand and greet Ooni Of Ife

    Alaafin Of Oyo reacts to backlash over refusal to stand and greet Ooni Of Ife

    Oba Akimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has addressed  a viral video showing him seated while greeting the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during a recent public event.

    In the footage that surfaced on social media, captured the moment the Alaafin’s was seated while other monarchs rose to greet the Ooni.

    The incident, which took place at an event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan, sparked significant buzz on social media.

    Reacting in a statement issued through his special assistant, Kolade Oladele, the Alaafin dismissed the insinuations, saying, “The Alaafin holds the Ooni of Ife—and all institutions of Yoruba heritage—in high regard.”

    He described the online reactions as part of a deliberate attempt by bloggers and online commentators to sow discord among Yoruba traditional rulers, afterwhich reaffirmed his deep respect for the Ooni of Ife, stressing the importance of maintaining strong inter-royal collaboration.

    He emphasised that their shared commitment to peace, unity, and progress in Yorubaland remains a cornerstone of their leadership.

    The statement reads fully, “It has come to our attention that certain bloggers and online commentators are generating needless controversies surrounding the interaction between our revered monarchs in Yorubaland- namely, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife- at a recent public function. This latest instalment in a series of manufactured debates is an unhelpful exercise that distracts and detracts from the truly important issues to which sons and daughters of Yorubaland should devote their energy and focus.

    “At a time when our people face profound socio-economic and security challenges, it is incumbent on all of us- leaders, youths, traditional institutions, and citizens alike- to rise above pettiness and prioritise the work of uplifting our communities. The welfare of our people, the protection of lives and property, the empowerment of our youth population, and the revitalisation of traditional values for development- these are the matters that truly deserve attention.

    “His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Alaafin of Oyo, remains unwavering in his commitment to these priorities. He believes in a future of collaborative progress and views synergy between traditional institutions as a vital pillar for stability and advancement in Yorubaland. The Alaafin holds the Ooni of Ife- and all custodians of Yoruba heritage- in high regard and is deeply committed to working hand-in-hand with them to chart a new path of unity, justice, and sustainable development across our land.

  • Alaafin of Oyo under fire over refusal to stand and greet Ooni of Ife at public event

    Alaafin of Oyo under fire over refusal to stand and greet Ooni of Ife at public event

    Nigerians on social media have criticized the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, for refusing to stand up to greet the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during an event in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    In a video that surfaced on social media captured the moment the Ooni arrived at the commissioning of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub built under the Renewed Hope Initiative and named after former Minister of Industry, Chief Onikepo Akande.

    When the monarch greeted dignitaries at the venue, he reached Oba Owoade’s seat. However, the Alaafin remained seated and only extended his hand to the Ooni.

    The singular action have sparked speculations about a cold war between both prominent Yoruba monarchs.

    Some netizens noted that the Alaafin’s behavior indicated an ongoing struggle for supremacy between the two royal houses.

    One user wrote, “Alaafin of oyo can do better than this sha.After all Ooni of ife is still father of all Yorubas.”

    Another user noted “The Alaafin stool is not a small stool. Historically the Alaafin is mightier than the Ooni. The rivalry between the two kings has been in existence from ancient of days. The new king just followed suit based on history.”

    Someone else commented, “The new Alaafin is bring respect back to the throne!!!!”

    In contrast, another user called for peace, “It’s obvious everywhere that Ooni [is] well recognized and respected to be their leader. Alaafin pls we need love and peace in our land stop all this Drama don’t be pushed. Ooni Adeyeye [is] a cool man to work with. Alaafin pls be a pacifist. Respect ought to be reciprocated.”

    One added, “Make we leave greeting alone oonii senior alaafin. Just look for the sitting arrangements…. Even alaafin was shaking confused but Wetin people don tell m make him do like that. He should sit shake then stand to embrace him as adult to adult.”

    Another remarked, “Irrespective of the circumstance that had thrown him up as the king, he knows his place. If at this time and age Ooni still holds on to bad practice of habitual late comer to event, no need to harague him to drop it. Alaafin’s conduct reflected civility and firmness.”

  • Use your position to unite Nigerians, Speaker Abbas advises new Alaafin of Oyo, Owoade

    Use your position to unite Nigerians, Speaker Abbas advises new Alaafin of Oyo, Owoade

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, has congratulated the new Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade, on a successful coronation on Saturday.

    Oba Owoade became the 46th Alaafin of Oyo and succeeded the 45th Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away in April 2022.

    The Speaker, in his congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, welcomed the Oyo people, and the Yoruba as a whole to a new era, urging the monarch to use his revered position to unify the people.

    Speaker Abbas, while noting the significance of the Alaafin in Yorubaland, and as one of the top traditional rulers in the country, urged Oba Owoade to use his influence on the people positively.

    The Speaker, who is a prince of the Zazzau Emirate in Zaria, restated his commitment to empowering traditional rulers in the country with constitutional roles.

    He stressed that traditional rulers, as critical stakeholders and natural leaders in African society, should be given their due regard.

    Speaker Abbas wished Oba Owoade a successful reign and prayed for peace in his kingdom.

  • New Alaafin’s coronation date announced

    New Alaafin’s coronation date announced

    Oyo State Government on Monday in Ibadan said the coronation of Abimbola Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo would hold on April 5.

    The state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Ademola Ojo, disclosed this while inaugurating a 25-man coronation committee.

    Recall that Governor Seyi Makinde had on January 13th presented instruments of office to Owoade at a brief ceremony in his office in Ibadan.

    “The committee has sub-committees to enable it coordinate and plan effectively towards a smooth coronation ceremony,” Ojo said.

    The Commissioner who is chairing the coronation committee said members include representatives of the Alaafin palace, Oyo state government and other key stakeholders.

    He stated that the coronation ceremony would attract dignitaries from across the country and beyond.

    “These include traditional rulers, government officials, and prominent figures from various sectors,” Ojo said.

  • Ooni of Ife reacts over appointment of new Alaafin of Oyo

    Ooni of Ife reacts over appointment of new Alaafin of Oyo

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has lauded the appointment of Alaafin of Oyo-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade.

    He also congratulated the Alaafin-elect on his appointment as the new custodian of the timeless heritage of Oyo town.

    This is contained in a statement on Saturday by Otunba Moses Olafare, the Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Osun.

    Oba Ogunwusi lauded Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, for providing the enabling environment and supporting the smooth transition that has now birthed a new king for Oyo.

    Ogunwusi also applauded kingmakers, the royal families and the people of Oyo for the patient and maturity displayed throughout the sacred process which lasted over two years.

    According to him, the decision heralds a new era of prosperity, unity, and cultural preservation for the people of Oyo.

    “Historically, Oyo and Ile-Ife share an unbreakable bond rooted in divine origin and cultural preservation. Oyo remains a very  important  crown jewel in Yorubaland.

    “This interconnected lineage emphasises the significance of the Alaafin’s throne, which remains a vital pillar in the structure of Yoruba traditional governance and heritage.

    “The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade signifies the continuation of this sacred bond and the unwavering strength of the Yoruba cultural legacy,” he said.

    Ogunwusi added: “We are confident that the Alaafin-elect will build upon the enduring legacy of his predecessors, particularly the immediate past Alaafin, Late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

    “Now that you have emerged victorious, you have become father of all, who must rally all other contestants for the growth of Oyo town because, you can not do it alone.

    “You must bring everyone on board; Oyomesi must remain united under your watch either those who supported you or those who didn’t support you, you must be magnanimous in victory.

    “Please be ready to toe the path of peace with all the kingmakers without favouritism and partiality so that you can serve your people as a beacon of hope, justice, and development.”

    Ogunwusi noted that Owoade’s ascension was a testament to the resilience of traditions and the shared aspiration for progress across the Yoruba race.

    He called on the sons and daughters of Oyo, from nooks and crannies, to rally around the new Alaafin and work together to uphold the glory of Oyo town.

    “It is through collective support and collaboration that Oyo will continue to thrive and maintain its place as a cornerstone of Yoruba greatness.

    “We reiterate our commitment to fostering unity among Yoruba traditional rulers, preserving shared cultural identity, and ensuring prosperity of all Yoruba people,” he said.

  • Oyo kingmakers reject new Alaafin appointed by Gov Makinde

    Oyo kingmakers reject new Alaafin appointed by Gov Makinde

    Kingmakers in Oyo Town on Friday rejected Governor Seyi Makinde’s appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

    The kingmakers, in a letter signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobalolu, and addressed to the state governor, declared the appointment of Owoade as null and void; illegal and unlawful.

    Recall the Oyo State Government had earlier on Friday announced Owoade as the Alaafin-elect. The kingmakers claimed they never recommended Owoade to the state government at any time.

    They insisted the only person they recommended on Sept. 30, 2022, by the majority of the kingmakers’ lawful votes as the next Alaafin, was Prince Lukman Gbadegesin.

    Five kingmakers are objecting to the governor’s appointment of the Alaafin-elect. The five kingmakers are the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Layinka; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo, and the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf.

    The two others are Chief Wahab Oyetunji, the warrant chief standing in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, the warrant chief standing in for Alapinní of Oyo.

    “Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin, having obtained the majority of votes of the kingmakers present, was deemed appointed and his name was forwarded to Your Excellency as the candidate appointed by the kingmakers as Alaafin of Oyo for your approval, which you refused to approve for no disclosed reason at all.

    “The kingmakers thereafter filed an action to stop Your Excellency from truncating the process, which culminated in the present appeal at the Court of Appeal,” they said.

    They noted they were surprised the government claimed in its announcement that Owoade’s selection was made after wide consultation and divination.

    “We must emphatically state that the Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but in strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967.

    “This codifies the native law and custom governing the selection process for the vacant stool of the Alaafin.

    “Under the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, it is only the Bashorun of Oyo, the head of the Oyomesi and Kingmakers, that can summon a meeting of the kingmakers for the purpose of selecting a candidate to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.

    “In this instance, the Bashorun did not summon any such meeting, nor was there any meeting convened in the Alaafin’s palace, as custom demands, where the said Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade was selected or appointed as the new Alaafin.” they said.

    The kingmakers said the meeting held at the Governor’s Office or elsewhere on Thursday to select the governor’s preferred candidate was unlawful and illegal.

    “It is not the duty of the governor to convene the meeting of few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs to select or appoint a new Alaafin on the 9th of January 2025 and hurriedly approve the appointment on the 10th of January 2025,” said the kingmakers.

    They, however, said they had appealed to sons and daughters of Oyo Kingdom to remain calm as they intended to challenge the action in court.