The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, says he remains the number one traditional ruler in Yorubaland, citing the historical significance and contributions of the old Oyo Empire to Yoruba civilisation.

He said this during an interview with a broadcaster, Edmund Obilo.

Responding to questions on whether the Alaafin was the supreme king in Yorubaland, Oba Owoade 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.”

He dismissed suggestions that he was in competition with other prominent Yoruba monarchs, particularly the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, over traditional supremacy.

On his commitment to the Yoruba race, the monarch said he regularly prayed for the progress of the people, stressing that the success of Oyo would bring honour to the entire Yoruba race.

“I believe that when Oyo succeeds, the Yoruba in their entirety get honoured. That’s my belief,” he said.

Daily Trust reports that in August last year, the age-long supremacy battle between the two major traditional stools in Yorubaland reared its ugly head again.

Oba Owoade had given a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife to revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title he conferred on Ibadan business tycoon Dotun Sanusi, had reopened debate and bitter rivalry between the highly revered monarchs.

Owoade argued that the Ooni’s instrument of office restricts his authority to three council areas in Osun State and that he has acted “unlawfully, derogatorily, and in contempt of the apex court.”

He warned that unless the title was revoked within 48 hours, the Ooni should be prepared to face unspecified “consequences.”

But the spokesperson for Ooni of Ife, Moses Olafare, said the Ooni would not react to the 48-hour threat by the Alaafin of Oyo.

Olafare, in a Facebook post, said the Ooni will not dignify what he described as “undignifiable” with an official response.

He said, “My principal has directed me against issuing a press release on the empty threat. I beg to disappoint you, gentlemen of the press.

“We cannot dignify the undignifiable with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion, as it is already being treated.

“Let’s rather focus on narratives that unite us rather than the ones capable of dividing us. No press release, please. 48 hours my foot!”

Speaking further during the interview, Oba Owoade expressed optimism about ongoing infrastructure projects in Oyo, particularly the proposed circular road and its planned dualisation.

He said the project, whichh would connect areas including Infinity and Sabo, would improve the city’s appearance and contribute to its development.

The Alaafin also discussed the forthcoming Oyo Empire Day, describing it as a three-day celebration expected to attract about 40,000 people.

He explained that the event was designed to bring together communities and people historically connected to the old Oyo Empire, irrespective of their present locations.

According to him, the celebration would provide an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, preserve Yoruba culture and deliberate on the future of coming generations.

Explaining why the event was named Oyo Empire Day rather than Oyo Day, the monarch said the empire had a wider historical reach beyond the present-day Oyo community.

“The Oyo Empire comprises a number of people and cities, not just one. That’s why we are trying to make sure that we come together, reconnect to our roots, preserve our culture, deliberate on how to move forward and make a better future for our children together,” he said.

Oba Owoade further disclosed that a Hall of Fame would be established as part of the celebration to recognise individuals and communities that had made significant contributions to Yoruba civilisation, Oyo Empire history, culture and heritage.

He added that attendance would not be restricted to people with ancestral links to Oyo, noting that anyone interested in Yoruba culture was welcome.

“Everybody is invited. If you are a lover of culture, you love the way Oyo is doing its things, you are part of it. We are not excluding them,” he said.

On expectations surrounding his reign, the Alaafin urged the people to remain optimistic, describing himself as a resilient person determined to make a positive impact.

“I am a go-getter and very resilient. I don’t give up easily. I try as much as possible to make a positive impact wherever I belong to,” he said. (Daily Trust)