In 2025, the Alaafin slammed the Ooni of Ife for awarding the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title to an Ibadan businessman.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has seemingly reignited the power tussle between himself and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, claiming he is historically the number one king in Yorubaland.
He made this known during an interview on State Affairs, a radio programme on Splash FM 105.5, hosted by Edmund Obilo and broadcast on various social media platforms.
While backing his assertion up, the Alaafin of Oyo based his remarks on history, stating that he is not fighting for supremacy.
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Asked if he is the supreme king in Yorubaland, the highly revered monarch said, “Historically, yes. If you want to go by history and the contribution of Oyo to Yoruba civilisation, then I would say that the Alaafin is number one.”
In 2025, the Alaafin had a disagreement with the Ooni of Ife, after the latter awarded the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland to Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi.
Reacting to the decision, Oba Owoade directed the Ooni to withdraw the title within 48 hours, insisting that the Ife monarch does not have the power to bestow a title that covers the whole of Yorubaland.
