The monarch made the declaration during an interview with broadcaster Edmund Obilo, insisting that his position was based on historical records rather than a desire to compete with other Yoruba monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.
According to Oba Owoade, the Alaafin’s position as the leading traditional ruler is supported by Oyo’s historical influence and contributions to the development of Yoruba civilisation.
He, however, maintained that he was not engaged in any supremacy battle with other traditional rulers.
The Alaafin also said he regularly prayed for the progress of the Yoruba people, stressing that the development of Oyo would bring honour to the entire Yoruba race.
He stated that the success of Oyo should be seen as a collective achievement that benefits all Yoruba people.
The monarch’s latest comments come amid a lingering disagreement between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife over the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title conferred on Ibadan-based businessman, Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni in August last year.
Following the conferment, the Alaafin reportedly gave the Ooni 48 hours to withdraw the title, arguing that the Ooni’s instrument of office restricted his jurisdiction to three local government areas in Osun State.
Oba Owoade also described the conferment as unlawful and an act of contempt of an apex court ruling, warning that there would be unspecified consequences if the title was not revoked.
In response, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, disclosed that the monarch had instructed him not to issue an official statement in response to the Alaafin’s threat.
Olafare, in a Facebook post, described the threat as undeserving of an official response, adding that the matter should be left to public opinion.
