The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has firmly stated that he is not engaged in any supremacy battle with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, or any other monarch. This clarification, issued through his Director of Media and Publicity,Bode Durojaiye,addresses recent tensions arising from a misunderstanding between the two revered first-class monarchs.

The contention centers on the Ooni’s decision to confer the title of ‘Okanlomo of Oduwa’ or ‘Okanlomo of Yorubaland’ on businessman Dotun Sanusi. The Alaafin faulted this action, describing it as an affront to his office, an overstepping of authority, and a disregard for deeply rooted tradition and law. He further cited a Supreme Court ruling that affirms the Alaafin’s exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title applicable to the entirety of Yorubaland, dismissing claims of a looming supremacy tussle as unnecessary and distracting from Yoruba unity and progress.

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Oba Owoade consistently describes himself as the veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to preserving the heritage and ensuring the safety and welfare of his subjects. He stressed that he would never compromise the tradition, culture, and development of his people for any personal gain. His life voyage, as stated in his press release, echoes the 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… persevering in what he knows to be practical, and concentrating his thought upon it, who is bound to succeed in the greatest degree.” This reflects his governance style of steady progress and practical leadership.

Combining humility with royalty to meet modern-day demands, the Alaafin holds titles such as Kabiyesi (the king who no one questions), Iku Baba Yeye (The one who commands death/he who is parent to death, Death, the almighty, Ruler and companion of the gods), Alashe (He who wields authority), and Ekeji Orisha (Second-in-command to the gods). He has been inducted into the mysteries of various deities like Ifa and Sango, positioning himself as their direct representative on earth. At the ancient Yoruba shrine, Oba Owoade made a solemn covenant with illustrious Yoruba ancestors to defend, protect, and add glamour to Yoruba norms and tradition.

The historical foundation of Oyo traces back to Oduduwa’s principal minister and grandson, Oranmiyan, who founded the city when prolonged drought struck Ile-Ife, leading to emigration. Oyo rose to prominence through its wealth from trade and formidable military skills, becoming the largest and most authoritative West African empire among early Yoruba principalities. Furthermore, the British, in line with their tradition of recognizing meaningful supremacy and legitimacy through lineage, chose to sign the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin, acknowledging him as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation.

In governance, the Alaafin is deeply concerned with the sanctity of his position and the welfare of his people. He highlights that customs and traditional practices in contemporary government, religion, and economic life originate from age-old tenets based on the synthesis and aggregated experience of society. The ancient city of Oyo is particularly reputed for its rich non-material and material cultural resources transmitted across generations. These include festivals, diet, historical and architectural buildings, ancient city walls declared monuments, ethnographic assets like war dresses, royal crafts, leather works, calabash decorations, pottery, wood carving, and traditional drums such as dundun and sekere.

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The precepts and concepts of the Alaafin’s administration have consistently supported and nurtured the people’s ancient culture and sophisticated civilization, with the fundamental concept of government rooted in monarchy and strict adherence to the monolithic Oduduwa dynasty and paternal line. Even with divine attributes, the Alaafin's government is judged by results, with the prosperity, security, and well-being of his people dictating his popularity.

The monarch had previously denied any rift with the Ooni following a visit to the Oluwo of Iwo, dismissing rumors of strained relations as mere scheduling constraints rather than disagreement. Despite a viral video that mischievously portrayed him snubbing the Ooni, the Alaafin has consistently clarified his position, reaffirming his dedication to defending and promoting Yoruba norms and values.