Obasanjo Visits Alaafin of Oyo Amid Chieftaincy Dispute with Ooni
- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, in a high-profile meeting at the monarch’s palace in Oyo Town
- The visit came amid growing tensions between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife over the conferment of a pan-Yoruba chieftaincy title
- Though details of their discussion remain undisclosed, observers speculate Obasanjo’s presence may signal a move to broker peace between the two influential Yoruba rulers
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo paid a courtesy visit to the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, at his palace in Oyo Town on Friday, marking his first official engagement with the monarch since his ascension in April 2025.
The visit, which drew attention across the South-West, saw Obasanjo accompanied by his daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, and a select group of distinguished dignitaries.
Source: Twitter
The former president was received warmly at the historic palace, which has long served as a symbol of Yoruba heritage and authority.
Alaafin of Oyo hosts Obasanjo following installation
Oba Owoade, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, ascended the throne earlier this year following a highly anticipated traditional process. His reign has already stirred significant discourse within the Yoruba traditional hierarchy, particularly in light of his recent challenge to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The Alaafin reportedly questioned the Ooni’s authority to confer the title of “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Ibadan-born businessman, Engineer Dotun Sanusi. Oba Owoade maintained that such a title, which implies jurisdiction over the entire Yorubaland, cannot be unilaterally bestowed by any single monarch.
Obasanjo’s visit sparks speculation of peace talks
Although details of the discussions held during Obasanjo’s visit remain undisclosed, efforts by our correspondent to reach the Alaafin’s media aide, Mr Bode Durojaye, were unsuccessful as repeated calls to his mobile phone did not connect.
Nonetheless, palace insiders and observers have speculated that the former president’s visit may have been aimed at fostering reconciliation and promoting unity between the Alaafin and the Ooni—two of the most influential traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
The timing of the visit has been interpreted by many as a strategic move to ease tensions and encourage dialogue within the Yoruba royal establishment, especially as debates over traditional authority and title conferment continue to generate public interest.
Source: Twitter
Alaafin of Oyo breaks silence on rumoured feud
Legit.ng earlier reported that Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, has said contrary to rife media reports, he is not feuding with Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife. The Alaafin set the record straight during an interview with BBC News Yoruba, monitored by Legit.ng.
The video, which has been watched by over 490,000 people, was published on Monday, August 18. Alaafin explained: "Bloggers in this time that we live in are only after how to generate their revenue. "I remember when we were young, they would say Ayinde Barrister and Ayinla Kollington are fighting, which was not so.
"From time immemorial, people have always discussed among themselves that a fraught relationship exist between Alaafin and Ooni. And the reason why they say that is because they see Alaafin and Ooni as the two topmost traditional rulers in Yorubaland. It is for this reason that they think there is a supremacy fight. "It is rumour mongers that they feel that way, and put such on the internet so as to make money.”
Source: Legit.ng
