Temitope Ajayi, a Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has sparked debate by declaring that the era of the old Oyo Empire’s dominance has concluded and that no traditional ruler in Yorubaland can claim superiority over others.
In a Saturday post on X featuring a photograph of the current Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Ajayi challenged notions of monarchical hierarchy among Yoruba traditional rulers.
“We are no longer in the era of the Oyo Empire,” Ajayi stated. “Rome and the United Kingdom, which once ruled more than half of the world as empires, can no longer claim sovereignty over former colonies. Times have changed. We are now in a new world.”
The presidential aide argued that the historical Oyo Empire should be distinguished from contemporary cultural or political structures, noting that Yorubaland was never entirely under the Alaafin’s control.
“Oyo Empire now belongs to history and the whole of what we now know as Yorubaland was never under the rule of the Alaafin,” he wrote.
Ajayi urged traditional rulers across the South-West to embrace collaborative leadership that reflects modern realities, suggesting that mutual respect among monarchs would serve their communities better.
“The society will function well if the current natural rulers in Yorubaland understand their roles in modern society,” he said. “Our kings should now work collaboratively to preserve peace, unity and development in their communities whilst preserving our cultural values.”
The statement has triggered mixed reactions on social media, adding to ongoing discussions about hierarchy, influence and legitimacy within Yoruba traditional institutions.
While some cultural historians and observers continue to regard the Alaafin’s throne as historically paramount in Yoruba civilization, others contest any claims of overarching authority over the various kingdoms that comprise the Yoruba people, instead emphasizing the primacy of Ile-Ife and the spiritual leadership of the Ooni of Ife.
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