The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has declared that he is the only traditional ruler with the authority to confer chieftaincy titles bearing the name “Yorubaland.”
The monarch made the declaration on Sunday at the Aganju Forecourt of the Oyo Palace during the installation of former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, as Obaloyin of Yorubaland, and Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
Oba Owoade explained that chieftaincy titles in Yoruba tradition are not ornamental or granted as favours, but are positions of responsibility deeply rooted in history, authority and service.
According to him, the Oyo throne has historically functioned as a central coordinating authority for the Yoruba people, a role that predates colonial rule and was later recognised during the colonial era and sustained after independence.
The Alaafin noted that titles bearing the name “Yorubaland” are collective in nature, representing the entire Yoruba nation rather than any single town or kingdom. As such, he said, only an authority whose historical jurisdiction spans the whole of Yorubaland can validly confer such titles.
He added that this position is supported by colonial records, post-independence councils, scholarly works and judicial pronouncements, including rulings of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Describing the newly installed titles as positions of trust, Oba Owoade said they demand courage, loyalty, humility and selfless service to the Yoruba people. He stressed that the honours are intended to strengthen unity, dignity and respect for tradition across Yorubaland.
The monarch urged the new titleholders to discharge their duties with a strong sense of responsibility and to ensure their actions promote cohesion and the collective good of the Yoruba people.
He emphasised that among the Yoruba, authority has always been defined by history, structure and law, adding that while all thrones are sacred in dignity, they do not all carry the same historical responsibilities.
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