Flashback: “Ooni, Benin Monarch Superior to Alaafin,” Late Oba Sijuwade Declares

Late Oba Okunade Sijuwade, in a viral video, asserted the superiority of the Ooni of Ife and the Benin Monarch over the Alaafin of Oyo. The video, which resurfaced recently, showed the late Ife monarch explaining the hierarchy of traditional rulers, even referencing a 1904 Federal Gazette and a 1924 visit by Prince Wales to support his claim.

This comes amidst a recent controversy where Alaafin Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, opposed the decision of Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to confer a title on a businessman. Owoade claimed that the Alaafin is the supreme leader of the Yoruba nation.

The statement has led to strained relations between the two monarchs, with both parties standing firm on their positions.