The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, declared that the Alaafin has no reason to engage in supremacy contests with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or elsewhere.
Citing historical precedents, Durojaiye emphasized that the Alaafin’s supremacy among traditional rulers was well established, noting that even the British colonial government recognized the Alaafin’s authority by signing the Treaty of Cessation with him as the superior head of the Yoruba nation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, he described the Alaafin as a steadfast custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, committed to the safety, welfare, and development of his people without compromising values for personal gain.
Quoting Alexander Graham Bell’s words on perseverance and success, Durojaiye said the life and reign of Alaafin Abimbola Akeem Owoade I reflect the qualities of an indomitable monarch with an enduring passion for the collective good.
“He is a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, and has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects and will never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot porridge.
“The history has been so kind and friendly to Alaafin Owoade publicity since he ascended the throne of his forefathers, as he does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe.
“Oba Owoade combines humility with royalty to meet the modern day demands. Kabiyesi (the king who no one questions). Iku Baba Yeye (The one who commands death/He who is parent to death). Alashe (He who wields Authority). Ekeji Orisha (Second-in-command to the gods).
“The Alaafin was inducted into the mysteries of various gods like Ifa, Sango etc to be the direct representative of these deities on earth. At the hallowed ground of Yoruba ancient shrine, as Oba Owoade made a covenant with illustrious Yoruba ancestors that he would defend, protect and add glamour to the Yoruba norms and tradition.
“Oduduwa’s Principal Minister and grandson, Oranmiyan, (Because Oduduwa begot Okanbi, (an only child and Okanbi begot Oranmiyan among others namely Ila-Orangun, Oni-Sabe, Olu- Popo, Ala-Ketu, Oba-Benin) founded the city of Oyo when prolonged drought struck Ile-Ife as a result of people’s emigration.
“Oyo simply rose to prominence through wealth gained from trade and its military skills. It was the largest West Africa empire, the most important and authoritative of all the early Yoruba principalities.
“More So, the British as it was in their tradition recognised lineage as meaningful supremacy and legitimacy, preferring to sign the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation.
“Alaafin relies heavily on the will and wishes of his subjects. In politics also, he is concerned about the sanctity of his position, and whatever happens on the welfare of his people.
“Customs and all traditional practices of today in government, religion and economic life have had distance, and possibly age-long origins which were based on valid and accepted tenets that emerged from the synthesis and aggregated experience of particular society.
“One of such societies is the ancient city of Oyo, reputed for cultural resources that are of rich non-material and material attributes and transmitted through generations. Among them are festivals, diet, building of historical and architectural interest and an ancient city walls that have been declared monuments by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.
“Others are ethnographic assets which include war dresses, traditional and royal crafts, leather works, calabash decorations, pottery, wood carving and production of traditional drums (dundun and sekere).
“Moreover, the precepts and concepts of Alaafin’s administration have continued to support and nurture the peoples’ ancient culture, and
sophisticated civilization from time immemorial. The basic concept of government was monarchy with a rigid adherence to monolithic Oduduwa dynasty and of the paternal line.
“The Alaafin, Iku Baba Yeye (Death, the almighty, Ruler and companion of the goods) is the title of the monarch. Even with the divine attributes, the Alaafin operates a government that is judged by its result.
“The prosperity, security and the well-being. of the people dictated his popularity both in the Palace and in the Empire at large.”
