The Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, Oba Olushola Alao, has dismissed speculations of a supremacy tussle between the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday after a closed-door meeting at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo, Oba Alao emphasised that both monarchs hold distinct, revered positions in Yoruba traditional hierarchy and that there is no rivalry between them.
“Alaafin will remain the Alaafin of Oyo, and Ooni will remain the Ooni of Ife. So there is no dispute. People may talk, but what matters is unity among traditional rulers for the progress of the Yoruba race,” Olugbon said.
Oba Owoade was crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo on April 5, following a long selection process that filled the throne left vacant since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in 2022.
Oba Alao described his visit as a gesture of homage and solidarity, hailing the new Alaafin as a leader of wisdom, intellect, and deep cultural understanding.
“We share strong historical and cultural ties. From the era of the Oyo empire, the Olugbon, Aresa, and Olukoyi have always seen the Alaafin as a central figure in our traditional structure,” he added.
During the visit, both monarchs reportedly discussed issues related to the progress of the Oyo State, the state’s traditional council, and broader Yoruba unity.
Olugbon further noted that the collective goal of the traditional council is to preserve and promote Yoruba cultural heritage while working in synergy with the state government.
“There is no way traditional rulers can function effectively without partnering with the government. That collaboration is key to moving the Oyo State Council of Obas—and the state as a whole—forward,” he concluded.
