The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, reasserted the Alaafin of Oyo’s paramount status in Yorubaland during the newly enthroned Alaafin Oba Abimbola Owoade’s first royal visit to his palace
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has unequivocally affirmed that the Alaafin of Oyo’s stool holds unparalleled significance beyond the borders of Oyo State, describing it as the foremost and “most powerful traditional seat in all of Yorubaland.”
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Oba Alao made this declaration while speaking with reporters shortly after receiving the newly enthroned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and his wife, Ayaba Abiwumi, during a historic royal visit to the Olugbon’s palace.
The visit marked the Alaafin’s first official visit to any traditional ruler since his ascension as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.
Expressing his elation and gratitude for the Alaafin choosing his palace for this inaugural visit, Oba Alao highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between their thrones, spanning “about six, seven hundred years,” tracing back to the establishment of Oyo-Ile. He emphasized their shared direct lineage from Oodua, stating, “This bond is very mutual and is stronger.”
Reiterating his support for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Oba Alao expressed confidence in the governor’s ability to revitalize the Council of Obas and Chiefs, thereby strengthening traditional institutions across the state.
Commenting on the recent debate over the supremacy of the Alaafin’s stool, the Olugbon firmly stated the importance of upholding historical facts.
Alaafin of Oyo is a stool that goes beyond Oyo State. And it cuts across Yoruba land. It is a stool that is so revered. And for us, even in Oyo State, it’s the number one, most powerful stool, which we all recognise.
“History is sacrosanct. Tradition is sacrosanct. Culture is sacrosanct. There is no way, whichever way you want to paint it… our history remains an indelible part of our lives. And very, very sacrosanct.”
He stressed that the Alaafin of Oyo’s stool “goes beyond Oyo State. And it cuts across Yoruba land. It is a stool that is so revered. And for us, even in Oyo State, it’s the number one, most powerful stool, which we all recognise.”
He further corroborated this by quoting Governor Makinde, who, during the Alaafin’s coronation, reportedly stated that the Alaafin’s stool “goes beyond Oyo State and it cuts across Yoruba land and the whole of Nigeria.”
Oba Alao expressed optimism that the Makinde-led government is working diligently to ensure the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs functions effectively after a period of dormancy.
“I’m behind the government. I’m in support of whatever they are doing,” he added, expressing belief that the Council of Obas would be fully operational before the end of Makinde’s administration, fostering peaceful coexistence among traditional rulers.
Earlier in his remarks during the visit, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, who was accompanied by other traditional rulers, stated that the purpose of his visit was to express gratitude to the Olugbon and other traditional rulers in the zone for their unwavering support and solidarity before, during, and after his installation.
