In a bold assertion that could stir up significant debate, Temitope Ajayi, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, stated that the era of the Oyo Empire is firmly in the past. This remark comes in the context of an ongoing discussion concerning the hierarchy among the three prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State: the Olubadan of Ibadan, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
Ajayi emphasized, "We are no longer in the era of the Oyo Empire. Just like Rome and the United Kingdom, which once dominated vast territories across the globe, have lost their claims to authority over former colonies, so too has the Oyo Empire become part of history."
He further elaborated, noting how society has evolved, stating that the current understanding of Yorubaland never truly fell under the authority of the Alaafin. "For our society to thrive, it is essential that today's traditional leaders grasp their roles within contemporary society," he added.
Ajayi urged these monarchs to collaborate in fostering peace, unity, and development within their communities while also protecting their rich cultural heritage. The backdrop of these comments includes the recent inauguration of a new Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, where the chairmanship is expected to rotate among the three leading rulers, each serving a two-year term.
Notably absent from this significant event was the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade. During the inauguration ceremony held at the House of Chiefs Hall in Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde announced that the council's leadership would alternate among the Olubadan, the Alaafin, and the Soun, with prior consultations reportedly taking place with all three monarchs.
However, the Alaafin's palace swiftly refuted this claim. In a statement released by Mr. Bode Durojaiye, the Chief Press Secretary for the Alaafin, it was asserted that there had been no discussions or endorsements made by the Alaafin regarding the proposed rotational chairmanship. "The Alaafin's Palace wishes to clarify that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, did not engage in any meeting with either the State Governor or the other two traditional rulers about this matter," the statement read.
Moreover, the palace indicated that the Alaafin never backed the concept of a rotational leadership structure among the council members, asserting, "The Alaafin did not inform the Governor nor make any formal acknowledgment supporting a rotational chairmanship among the state's three traditional leaders."
This communication of the Alaafin’s position and that of the Oyo community concerning the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs had already been conveyed to the governor well before the inauguration.
Adding to the intrigue, a video recently surfaced online showing an interaction between the Alaafin and the Olubadan, Senator Ladoja, during the 2026 Inter-Faith service at the Grand Space behind the Oyo State House of Assembly. In the footage, the Alaafin can be seen extending his hand toward the Olubadan in greeting but appears to be met with a slight snub after Ladoja engages with the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye.
This incident has reignited public discourse surrounding the dynamics and relationships among the traditional rulers in Oyo State. As these developments unfold, what do you think about the shifting roles of traditional leaders in modern Nigerian society? Do you believe that the past holds relevance in today's governance structures? Share your thoughts in the comments!
