The Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, has said he is the veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition.
Gatekeepers News reports that his remarks follow recent disagreements with Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, over the right to bestow the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
In a statement issued Thursday by his media director, Bode Durojaiye, Alaafin Owoade clarified that his authority is anchored in Yoruba history and spiritual traditions that have endured for centuries.
He emphasised that his leadership is defined by a focus on the safety, prosperity, and cultural advancement of his subjects, rather than rivalry.
Rejecting the notion of a supremacy contest, the monarch maintained that such disputes are unnecessary and counterproductive to unity within Yorubaland. He described his style of rule as measured and practical, rooted in Yoruba customs.
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.”
Owoade pledged to continue defending Yoruba norms and values, ensuring that the cultural heritage of the Yoruba nation is preserved for future generations.
