Oba Abimbola Owoade says his claim is rooted in the history and contributions of the old Oyo Empire to Yoruba civilisation, insisting he is not seeking a supremacy contest.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has declared himself the number one monarch in Yorubaland, arguing that the historical influence of the old Oyo Empire places the Alaafin institution above others in the region.

Owoade asserted during an interview, where he was asked whether he considered himself the supreme traditional ruler in Yorubaland. 

The monarch said his position was based on history rather than a desire to compete with other Yoruba kings.

“Historically, yes. If you want to go by history and the contribution of Oyo to Yoruba civilisation, then I would say that the Alaafin is number one,” he said.

His remarks come against the backdrop of a public disagreement in 2025 between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, over the conferment of the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi.

At the time, the Alaafin reportedly gave the Ooni 48 hours to withdraw the title, arguing that he lacked the authority to confer a traditional honour with recognition across the entire Yorubaland. 

The disagreement brought renewed attention to questions of traditional authority and the historical standing of Yoruba monarchs.

Despite his latest declaration, Owoade maintained that he was not fighting for supremacy, presenting his position as a recognition of Oyo’s historical contribution to Yoruba civilisation.

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