The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has declared that he remains the only traditional ruler with the legitimate authority to confer chieftaincy titles bearing the name “Yorubaland”, emphasising that such honours are collective in nature and rooted in long-established history, law and tradition.
The monarch made the assertion on Sunday at the Aganju Forecourt of the Oyo Palace during the installation ceremony of former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland, and Seyi Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland. The event drew dignitaries from across the country and reignited public discussion about traditional authority within the Yoruba nation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oba Owoade stressed that chieftaincy titles in Yoruba culture are neither decorative nor bestowed as personal favours. Instead, he described them as serious responsibilities that demand courage, loyalty and selfless service to the people. According to him, such titles are meant to strengthen unity, preserve tradition and promote collective dignity across Yorubaland.
The Alaafin explained that the throne of Oyo has historically functioned as a central coordinating authority for the Yoruba people. He noted that this role was not self-assumed but recognised over centuries, including during the colonial era and sustained in post-independence governance structures.
He added that titles carrying the name “Yorubaland” represent the entire Yoruba nation rather than any single town or kingdom, and therefore must emanate from an authority whose jurisdiction historically spans the whole region.
Oba Owoade cited colonial records, scholarly works, post-independence councils and judicial pronouncements, including decisions of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, as validation of this position. He referenced historical boundaries of the former Oyo Province, which by 1914 had become the largest province in Southern Nigeria, covering vast areas and reflecting recognised leadership over a wide and diverse territory.
The monarch was careful to note that his remarks were not intended to provoke controversy but to clarify order and tradition. He stated that while all Yoruba thrones are sacred and deserving of respect, they were not created equal in function. Some, he said, were established with broader coordinating responsibilities extending beyond their immediate domains.
Urging the newly installed titleholders to approach their roles with humility, Oba Owoade charged them to ensure that their conduct promotes cohesion, respect for tradition and the collective good of the Yoruba people. He concluded by affirming that history and law are settled on the matter, insisting that chieftaincy titles bearing the name “Yorubaland” fall under the singular authority of the Oyo throne
