The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, says he is the “number one” traditional ruler in Yorubaland, grounding the claim in the historical importance of the old Oyo Empire to Yoruba civilisation. Multiple outlets report he presents the remark as a statement about history rather than a challenge to present-day authority structures.
While discussing whether he is seeking supremacy, he is also described as saying he does not fight for supremacy. Premium Times adds that he declines to comment on an aspect related to the Olubadan’s appointment, whereas other outlets focus mainly on the historical justification for his position and his characterisation of the comment as non-competitive.
Overall, the outlets broadly agree on the central points: the Alaafin’s claim of being “number one,” his historical reasoning, and his insistence that he is not pursuing rivalry over power in Yorubaland.
