The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has denied being in a supremacy battle with the Ooni of Ife, insisting his reign prioritises Yoruba heritage and the welfare of his people.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Thursday dismissed claims of a supremacy tussle with any monarch, stressing that his reign is anchored on preserving Yoruba culture and the welfare of his people.
In a statement issued in Ibadan by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin addressed reports of tension with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, following his criticism of the Ooni’s recent conferment of the Okanlomo of Oduwa title on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
The statement said, “Why Alaafin does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe?” It added that Oba Owoade is a “veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition” who “will never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot of porridge.”
Highlighting his humility and covenant with Yoruba ancestors, the Alaafin reaffirmed that his role was to protect Yoruba civilisation and uphold the legacy of the Oduduwa dynasty.