British Govt signed treaty, declaring Alaafin as superior head of Traditional Rulers of Yoruba nation

British Govt signed treaty, declaring Alaafin as superior head of Traditional Rulers of Yoruba nation

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has asserted that the British colonial authorities once signed a treaty recognising the Alaafin as the superior head of the Yoruba Nation.

In a statement issued by his Director of Media, Mr. Bode Durojaye, the monarch—installed as the 46th Alaafin just five months ago—reaffirmed his commitment to uphold Yoruba culture, tradition, and values.

“Oyo rose to prominence through trade and military strength. It was the largest West African empire and the most authoritative of the early Yoruba principalities.

In line with their practice of recognising lineage as a symbol of legitimacy, the British signed the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation,” Oba Owoade stated.

He further stressed that he had sworn before Yoruba ancestors never to undermine tradition, pledging to defend and enhance the heritage of the race.

“The Alaafin does not need to enter into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or elsewhere,” he declared, quoting Alexander Graham Bell to underline his point on steady and enduring leadership.

Notably, the Alaafin made no direct remarks about his ongoing rift with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, whom he recently ordered to revoke a chieftaincy title bestowed on businessman Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi.

The statement added that at the Yoruba ancient shrine, Oba Owoade renewed a covenant with the ancestors to safeguard the norms and traditions of the Yoruba people, while prioritising the welfare of his subjects.

“The monarch operates a government that is judged by its result, as prosperity, security and well-being of the people dictated his popularity both in the palace and in the empire at large.

“It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider, and progressively be able to grasp any theme or situation -persevering in what he knows to be practical, and concentrating his thought upon it, who is bound to succeed in the greatest degree” – sum up the life voyage of Owoade, an indomitable monarch with an unequalled passion for the great good of all”.

“He (Alaafin) is a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, and has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects and will never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot of porridge. The history has been so kind and friendly to Alaafin Owoade publicity since he ascended the throne of his forefathers, as he does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe.

“Alaafin combines humility with royalty to meet the modern-day demands. Kabiyesi (the king who no one questions). Iku Baba Yeye (The one who commands death/he who is parent to death). Alashe (He who wields authority). Ekeji Orisha (Second-in-command to the gods). The Alaafin was inducted into the mysteries of various gods like Ifa, Sango etc, to be the direct representative of these deities on earth.”

“At the hallowed ground of the Yoruba ancient shrine, as Owoade made a covenant with illustrious Yoruba ancestors that he would defend, protect and add glamour to the Yoruba norms and tradition. Oduduwa’s Principal minister and grandson, Oranmiyan (Because Oduduwa begot Okanbi, (an only child and Okanbi begot Oranmiyan, among others, namely Ila-Orangun, Oni-Sabe, Olu-Popo, Ala-Ketu, Oba-Benin) founded the city of Oyo when a prolonged drought struck Ile-Ife as a result of people’s emigration.

“In politics also, he is concerned about the sanctity of his position, and whatever happens on the welfare of his people. Customs and all traditional practices of today in government, religion and economic life have had distance, and possibly age-long origins which were based on valid and accepted tenets that emerged from the synthesis and aggregated experience of a particular society.

“One of such societies is the ancient city of Oyo, reputed for cultural resources that are of rich non-material and material attributes and transmitted through generations. Moreover, the precepts and concepts of Alaafin’s administration have continued to support and nurture the people’s ancient culture and sophisticated civilisation from time immemorial.

“The basic concept of government was monarchy with a rigid adherence to the monolithic Oduduwa dynasty and of the paternal line.”