Four princes from Oyo town filed a lawsuit against Akeem Owoade, Alaafin of Oyo, at the Oyo State High Court. They sought orders to limit his public activities. The suit, marked HOY/18/2026, named Ladigbolu Adegboyega, Owoade Tesleem, Adeyemi Adesina, and Adeyemi Adebayo as claimants.
The court required Owoade to appear personally or through counsel. Claimants requested a perpetual injunction to stop him from attending events unfit for his role as symbolic head of the Yoruba race. They also aimed to prevent actions that made him seem inferior to other Yoruba kings.
Declarations on Alaafin’s Status
Additionally the princes asked for declarations on the office’s importance. They stated that the Alaafin stool held great historical value in Yorubaland, Nigeria, West Africa, and beyond. Moreover they affirmed it symbolized unity and preserved Yoruba cultural heritage.
The suit declared the Alaafin as paramount ruler over chieftaincies in Oyo Town, Oyo North, and Oyo South. Claimants argued these steps preserved the throne’s dignity amid concerns over Owoade’s conduct.
Background of Tensions
Tensions arose from Owoade’s criticism of government policies. He opposed Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, on rotational chairmanship for the State Council of Obas. Owoade claimed lack of consultation in public statements.
Akintunde Akinyemi, Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, warned Owoade against confrontation. In an open letter, Akinyemi stated, “My candid advice to His Imperial Majesty is to withdraw the press release and refrain from further comments in the media so as not to incur the wrath of the Oyo State government.”
Akinyemi noted states could depose rulers for insubordination. However no response came from Owoade in court filings.
Implications for Traditional Authority
The case tested boundaries between royal conduct and state oversight. It highlighted debates on traditional rulers’ roles in modern Nigeria. Proceedings continued as stakeholders awaited resolutions.
