The new Alaafin of Oyo, Alaafin Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has, in his first year on the throne, encountered challenges in navigating the complex landscape of Yorubaland kingship. In a thoughtful post, Princess Adedeoja Adeyemi, CEO of Arewa House of Culture and cultural ambassador, shared her insights on the expectations and responsibilities of the Alaafin and the leadership dynamics among Yoruba royal fathers.
According to Princess Adedeoja, one of the reasons for the renewed focus on royal leadership disputes in Yorubaland is the widespread underestimation of Alaafin Owoade:
"Straight from the diaspora, young, quiet, and seemingly non-confrontational, he was perceived as someone who wouldn’t pose a challenge. The leadership tussle has always existed—who’s stronger than whom, who’s more powerful than whom—but Alaafin’s enthronement reignited it yet again. Many assumed he would be easy to overlook."
She adds:
"But the moment he was enthroned, he stopped being just that man and became the living representative of his forebears on a sacred throne. Added to this is the fact that his immediate predecessor left a very large vacuum, which naturally heightened expectations."
Princess Adedeoja reminds the public that while Alaafin Owoade is still early in his reign, the throne itself carries centuries of authority and responsibility:
"Although he is still at an infancy on the throne, having spent just one year there, the throne itself is not at infancy. Lately, I see a lot of people attempting to distort history for cheap attention online. They can get angry all they want, but the truth remains… the Alaafin bows to no king in Yorubaland, and that is one of the sacred responsibilities any occupant of that throne must defend until his last breath."
Princess Adedeoja Adeyemi’s commentary highlights the significance of leadership, tradition, and respect in Yorubaland, offering a unique perspective on the Alaafin of Oyo’s early reign and the enduring authority of Yoruba royal institutions.