The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has described himself as the number one traditional ruler in Yorubaland, relying on the historical influence of the old Oyo Empire and its contributions to Yoruba civilisation.
The monarch, however, said his position was based on history and not an attempt to compete with other traditional rulers for supremacy.
Oba Owoade made the remarks during an interview with broadcaster Edmund Obilo on State Affairs, in a video shared on YouTube on Thursday. He maintained that the Alaafin’s institution occupied a prominent position in the political and traditional structure of the old Oyo Empire.
When asked whether the Alaafin was the supreme king in Yorubaland, he responded, “Alaafin is the supreme king in Yoruba land. Historically, yes I am. Alaafin is number one.”
He also dismissed suggestions that he was engaged in a struggle for traditional dominance with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
“I don’t fight for supremacy or whatever with anybody. But all I know is that historically, if you want to go by history and then the contribution of Yoruba civilisation, then I would say that Alaafin is number one,” he said.