—– charges the new titleholders to use their positions to promote unity, dignity, and the collective good of Yorubaland.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has reaffirmed that the authority to confer chieftaincy titles bearing the name “Yorubaland” resides exclusively with the throne of Oyo, describing the role as one grounded in history, structure, and law.
The monarch made the declaration on Sunday during the installation of former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, as the Obaloyin of Yorubaland, and Barrister Seyi Tinubu as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland. The ceremony took place at the Aganju Forecourt of the Aafin Oyo in Oyo town, Oyo State.
Speaking at the event, Oba Owoade stressed that chieftaincy titles in Yoruba tradition are not ceremonial decorations or acts of favour, but positions of responsibility that demand loyalty, courage, and service to the people.
He noted that titles bearing the name “Yorubaland” are collective in nature, representing the entire Yoruba nation rather than any single town or kingdom.
According to the Alaafin, the historical role of the Oyo throne as a coordinating authority for the Yoruba people predates colonial rule and was neither invented nor imposed by colonial administration. He explained that colonial records merely encountered and documented an already established structure of authority.
Tracing the roots of Oyo’s influence, the monarch recalled that by 1914, Oyo Province had become the largest province in Southern Nigeria, spanning over 14,000 square miles and bordering Ilorin and Kontagora in the north, Ondo and Ijebu in the east, Ijebu and Abeokuta in the south, and French Dahomey in the west.
He stated that the vast territorial recognition reflected Oyo’s long-standing leadership role among the Yoruba.
Oba Owoade further stated that colonial documents, post-independence councils, scholarly works, and judicial pronouncements culminating in decisions of the Supreme Court of Nigeria have all affirmed the unique coordinating authority of the Alaafin of Oyo over matters affecting Yorubaland as a whole.
The monarch emphasised that respect for tradition, authority, and boundaries remains vital to preserving Yoruba culture and unity.
“We are not gathered merely to celebrate, we are here to place responsibility where history has long placed it. Authority among the Yoruba has never been vague; it has always been defined by structure, law, and tradition,” Alaafin stated.
He therefore urged the newly installed titleholders to wear their honours with humility and to see their positions as a call to service rather than privilege