The late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, previously highlighted the significance of his throne, emphasizing its superiority and historical importance. In a video, he explained to his audience that even the Oba of Benin holds a higher position than the Alaafin of Oyo, citing support from historical documents, including the Federal Gazette of 1904, and recognition from notable figures like Sir Hugh Clifford. This discussion sheds light on the rich cultural heritage and historical context of Nigeria’s monarchies.
The late monarch shared valuable insights, saying, “The Oba of Benin is superior to Alaafin. I’d be happy to provide you with supporting images as proof; please feel free to take them. You can hear him (late Oba Adeyemi) correctly pronouncing Oranmiyan, contrary to the mispronunciation as Oranyan. He was meticulous; there was no room for error. Regarding Samuel Johnson’s book, the Nigeria governor in 1924 questioned its authenticity during the Prince of Wales’ visit. The governor noted that Johnson, an Oyo man, wrote the book to boost his people’s morale. According to the governor, the book was inaccurate. This information is documented in the archives, and I’ll provide supporting documents. The Alaafin’s position is not comparable to the Ooni’s. A Federal Government Gazette from February 28, 1903, reveals that the Governor of Nigeria invited Ooni, my grandfather, to resolve conflicts among kings vying for the crown in Lagos. The governor recognized Ooni as the rightful owner of the crown and the sole authority to address the issue. Ooni informed the governor that his predecessors had never left their palace.
Oba Sijuwade shared a heartwarming story of how the governor worked to resolve a rift in Lagos, ultimately earning the respect of the revered Ooni and inspiring many kings to emerge from their palaces to pay tribute. “The governor asked how he could facilitate the Ooni’s travel, and the Ooni suggested a symbolic gesture of sacrificing a black cow at each river crossing. The governor generously offered to provide 1,000 cows. When asked what else he could do, the Ooni requested a vehicle to take him to Ede town, where the governor’s entourage would meet him. The governor graciously offered to send his personal armour to escort him instead.”
According to KIKISBLOG.COM .NG, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, recently revealed a historic treaty signed by the British, recognizing him as the superior head of the Yoruba Nation. This revelation comes amidst a fresh crisis between the Alaafin and Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a businessman, Dotun Sanusi. The Alaafin’s declaration highlights the rich history and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring traditional institutions. Can this development pave the way for a renewed sense of unity and cooperation among the Yoruba people?
Alaafin has taken a stand, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni to retract the chieftaincy title, emphasizing his commitment to preserving Yoruba tradition and heritage. In a statement, Alaafin’s Director of Media, Bode Durojaye, underscored the monarch’s dedication to upholding the values and legacy of his ancestors. With the ultimatum now expired, the Alaafin remains resolute, highlighting the significance of his role as the foremost monarch in Yoruba land, where he has sworn to defend and add glory to Yoruba tradition, without engaging in a supremacy battle with any king.
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