The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has refuted claims of a power tussle between him and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Eniitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi. His media director, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, issued a statement addressing a circulating video alleging that the Alaafin ordered his men to assault the father of a monarch from a village in the United States. The video claimed this was tied to a supremacy rivalry between the two traditional rulers.
According to Durojaiye, the story was fabricated and does not reflect any part of the truth. He described the content as malicious and misleading, stressing that the Alaafin holds no grudge against the Ooni. He added that the monarch shown in the video belongs to Oyotunji village in the United States, which traces its roots directly to Oyo. This connection had been formally acknowledged multiple times, including during the reign of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.
The statement clarified that after Oba Owoade’s coronation, the Oyotunji monarch paid a courtesy visit to Oyo to congratulate the new Alaafin and was received warmly. There was no incident, hostility, or mistreatment, contrary to the claims made in the video.
Durojaiye questioned the credibility of the unnamed video source and criticized it for spreading lies that could damage public trust and unity among Yoruba traditional rulers. He emphasized that the Alaafin is a custodian of Yoruba history and culture, expected to lead with wisdom, diplomacy, and dignity.
The statement also highlighted the Alaafin’s strong moral character and commitment to peace, noting that leadership for him is rooted in integrity, humility, and the spiritual well-being of his people. As the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade remains focused on building community harmony and promoting the progress of the Yoruba people both locally and abroad.
He concluded by reaffirming that there is no rivalry or conflict with the Ooni of Ife, stressing that his primary concern is the welfare and advancement of his ancestral home and heritage.
