The Oluwo of Iwo in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has described the Alaafin of Oyo as supreme to all other traditional rulers and titles in Yorubaland.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Oluwo said this during the visit of the Alaafin, Oba AbimbolaOwoade, to his palace on Tuesday.
He added that the Alaafin title was originally for Oduduwa descendants.
“I don’t know any other title in Yorubaland that is superior to Alaafin,” he said.
There has been a tussle involving the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, around traditional hierarchy and influence within the Yoruba traditional council structure since Oba Owoade ascended the throne in April 2025.
Recently, there was also tension in Oyo State over the formation of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs, where the Alaafin was initially made the permanent chairman before a rotational arrangement with the Olubadan of Ibadan and Soun of Ogbomoso was passed by the state House of Assembly.
“Alaafin will continue to be Alaafin because that is the title that Oramiyan adopted and I will also adopt the saying.
“Henceforth, I will also want to be called Alafin of Iwo and we will inform the government about it,” he said.
Oba Akanbi thanked Alaafin for the visit, adding that it would boost the relationship between the two towns.
He said with Alaafin’s humility and exposure, Oyo would witness peace and unprecedented development.
Speaking during the visit, Oba Owoade, accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwumi, and other chiefs, said he came to the town to thank the Oluwo for attending his coronation ceremony in April.
The traditional ruler also said Oluwo called to congratulate him when his name was announced as the Alaafin-elect.
“I came to see Oluwo because he was at my coronation ceremony in April.
“Even when my name was mentioned as Alaafin-elect, Oluwo called to congratulate me. It is also good to come around to pay him a courtesy visit,” he said.
Alaafin, who noted that Oyo and Iwo had been enjoying a good relationship for years, said he also came to Iwo to ensure that the relationship continued.
Owoade, who spoke in Yoruba, said that his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had a good relationship with Iwo, hence, the relationship should be sustained.
“Iwo and Oyo have been enjoying a good relationship for years, even with my predecessor and I want that relationship to continue,” he said.
Owoade urged other traditional rulers in Iwo to continue to work with Oluwo with an open mind.(Punch)
