I wish to specially appreciate and thank Oyo Messi for the role they played in guiding and lecturing His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade, during his period in Ipebi. What we are witnessing today clearly shows that the Alaafin was thoroughly and properly guided. Without such guidance, the Alaafin throne could have been gravely mishandled, and those who do not deserve to undermine the throne might have taken undue advantage of the situation.
Although I am not from Oyo State, I can state categorically, as a prince from a respected royal lineage, that what the Alaafin is doing today is right, proper, and in the best interest of Yoruba tradition and history.
The Alaafin has made the Yoruba people proud. He has demonstrated to every reasonable and historically conscious Yoruba person that there is hierarchy and supremacy in traditional kingship, and that these principles must be respected. For this, I once again say thank you to Oyo Messi, and may Almighty God bless them and all those genuinely committed to preserving our heritage.
I am not writing to criticize any individual or any king. Rather, my intention is to educate our sons and daughters that we will not allow modern civilization or exposure to erode, weaken, or erase our tradition, culture, and historical institutions.
The Alaafin should not allow the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas to weaken his authority or diminish the weight of his throne. He must continue to protect, defend, and promote the integrity, supremacy, and sanctity of the Alaafin throne. It must be clearly understood that this matter is not about the individual occupying the throne, but about the throne itself, the Oyo Empire, and the entire Yoruba traditional system.
The Alaafin throne is a highly respected institution across Yorubaland. It must never be disregarded or reduced because of politics, personal interests, or temporary power struggles.
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade, must not allow himself to be misled by those who advise him to accord undue reverence to those who are traditionally below him. This is not about his personal name or identity; he is now the Alaafin of Oyo, and with that position comes the responsibility to uphold, preserve, and promote Yoruba culture and tradition without compromise.
Historically and factually, the Alaafin throne remains the most powerful traditional throne in Yorubaland and represents the only established empire within Yoruba history. Anyone who seeks to deny the supremacy of the Alaafin should publicly state which empire their town belonged to, and provide credible historical records, documents, and evidence to support such claims.
There are well-documented historical and colonial records confirming that the Oyo Empire extended its influence beyond Yorubaland, including parts of the Benin Republic. These records exist. Therefore, any attempt to rewrite history must be supported with facts, not sentiments.
It is unfortunate that some towns which did not possess crowned kings in the 14th and 15th centuries are now claiming parity or seniority with the Alaafin throne. Even towns that only began seeking crowns in the 1980s are today challenging established historical authority. This is misleading and must stop.
Once again, let it be clearly stated: the only empire in Yorubaland is the Oyo Empire under the Alaafin. Any contrary claim must be supported with verifiable historical proof, not emotional attachment to one’s hometown.
I reiterate that I am not from Oyo State. I was born and raised within respected royal families in Lagos and Ogun States, and I speak purely from historical knowledge, cultural responsibility, and deep respect for Yoruba heritage.
Finally, I sincerely appreciate Oyo Messi and urge them not to abandon the Alaafin. They should continue to guide, advise, and encourage His Imperial Majesty on what ought to be done and what must be avoided, so that respect is fully restored to the Alaafin throne and to Yoruba tradition and culture as a whole.
Prince Amb. (Dr) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla
Technician Surveyor | Real Estate Investor | Security Expert.
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