Alaafin of Oyo Declares Only Oyo Throne Can Confer “Yorubaland” Titles

By Ademola Adekusibe
22nd December 2025

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has asserted that the authority to confer chieftaincy titles bearing the name “Yorubaland” rests solely with the throne of Oyo.

Oba Owoade made the declaration on Sunday during the installation of Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari as Obaloyin of Yorubaland and Barrister Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland at Aganju Forecourt, Aafin Oyo.

The monarch emphasized that chieftaincy in Yoruba culture is a responsibility, not a matter of favour or decoration. He explained that titles bearing the name “Yorubaland” are collective and represent the Yoruba people as a whole, and therefore must be conferred by an authority with historical and legal reach across the region.

Oba Owoade traced the historical legitimacy of the Oyo throne, noting its role as a coordinating authority during colonial administration and post-independence governance. He highlighted that colonial records, post-independence councils, scholarly works, and the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirm the historical authority of the Alaafin of Oyo.

“The throne of Oyo emerged as a central authority, recognized and sustained across generations. Titles that bear the name ‘Yorubaland’ are not local titles. They speak for the Yoruba people as a whole. Such titles must therefore proceed from an authority whose reach extends across Yorubaland,” the Alaafin said.

He urged the newly installed titleholders to serve with humility, courage, and loyalty, emphasizing that their honours should reinforce unity, dignity, and the collective good of the Yoruba people.