Only Oyo Throne Confers Yorubaland Titles
By Akeem Oduyoye
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has affirmed that the Oyo throne is the only authority empowered to confer chieftaincy titles bearing the name “Yorubaland.” He made the declaration during the installation of former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, as Obaloyin of Yorubaland, and Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Sunday at the Aganju Forecourt of the Oyo Palace.
Oba Owoade explained that Yoruba chieftaincy is not merely symbolic or a favour; it is a duty rooted in history, responsibility, and service to the people. He emphasized that the titles are meant to represent the collective Yoruba nation, not individual towns or kingdoms.
Highlighting the historical role of the Oyo throne, the monarch said it has traditionally functioned as a central coordinating authority for the Yoruba people, a position recognised during colonial administration and preserved in post-independence governance.
“Titles bearing the name ‘Yorubaland’ are collective in nature. They convey responsibility for the entire Yoruba nation and must proceed from an authority whose jurisdiction historically spans the region,” Oba Owoade stated.
The Alaafin referenced colonial records, post-independence councils, scholarly works, and Supreme Court rulings to underscore the legitimacy of the Oyo throne’s authority over Yorubaland titles. He noted that these sources collectively validate the throne’s unique position in Yoruba political and cultural history.
Describing the newly installed titleholders’ roles, Oba Owoade said the honours demand courage, loyalty, and selfless service. He urged them to discharge their duties with humility and ensure their positions promote unity, dignity, and cohesion among the Yoruba people.
He further reminded attendees that the conferment of chieftaincy titles is not for decoration or prestige, but a serious responsibility tied to history, authority, and collective governance. “Among the Yoruba, authority has never been a matter of convenience. It is grounded in history, structure, and law,” he said.
Oba Owoade traced the historical reach of the Oyo throne, noting that by 1914, Oyo Province was the largest in Southern Nigeria, encompassing a diverse and expansive territory. He said this demonstrated the throne’s recognised leadership across the Yoruba region long before modern governance structures.
The monarch reiterated that the Oyo throne’s coordinating authority has been acknowledged across generations, enforced by tradition, and affirmed by both scholars and legal pronouncements. “The law is clear. History is settled. Chieftaincy titles that carry the name ‘Yorubaland’ fall under a singular, established authority—the throne of Oyo,” he said.
Oba Owoade concluded by calling on the new titleholders to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to them, reminding all that Yoruba chieftaincy is meant to strengthen unity, respect for tradition, and service to the collective good of the Yoruba people.