The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has declared that he is the sole traditional ruler empowered to confer chieftaincy titles bearing the designation “Yorubaland.”
The monarch made the assertion on Sunday at the Aganju Forecourt of the Oyo Palace during the installation of former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland, and Seyi Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oba Owoade stressed that chieftaincy in Yoruba tradition is not ornamental or granted as a favor, but a serious responsibility grounded in history, authority, and service. He explained that the throne of Oyo has historically served as the central coordinating authority for the Yoruba people, a role recognized during the colonial era and sustained in post-independence governance.
The event reinforces the cultural and historical significance of the Oyo monarchy within the broader Yoruba sociopolitical structure, as it continues to exercise traditional influence in the conferment of regional honors.
