UrfavoritePedagogue

Alaafin is trending because in a new interview, Oba Abimbola Owoade told Edmund Obilo that he’s the No. 1 supreme king in Yorubaland, kickstarting debate over superiority with Ooni and Olubadan. Well, he’s correct. He’s superior, but they aren’t his subordinates. A federal government ministry document from 1938 showed that the Alaafin was ranked number one ruler in Nigeria, ahead of the Alake of Abeokuta, Awajale of Ijebu-Ode and Oba of Benin., while Ooni of Ife was the least in the category. Olubadan was ranked a second class monarch, only ahead of Owa Ilesha, Oshernowe of Ondo, and Orangun of Ila. However this didn’t make Olubadan a subordinate to Alaafin, because he didn’t get his crown from him. Although this has been debated, with argument suggesting the hierarchy could have been politically structured. However, traditionally the Alaafin is the political and military leader of all Yoruba people. The Alaafin led the expansion of Yorubaland to what it is today, a dominant force between the 17th and 19th century. While the Ooni is the custodian of Yoruba culture, including spirituality. Albeit, without the work of the Alaafin in the early formative years, the Ooni would have lost his relevance. It is believed that the Alaafin of Oyo is a direct descendant of Oduduwa. Ibadan was founded by warriors and some former war generals from the Oyo empire, it has always been independent, fighting their own wars, rising through victories. It had two chain of leaders, Military (Balogun) and Civil (Atun). The most senior person was selected as — Baale. Until 1936 when the colonial rulers introduced political rankings and changed it to — Olubadan. Even the colonial rulers tried to place Ibadan under the Alaafin, but it didn’t work. Olubadan might have jurisdiction in Ibadan, but Alaafin is politically superior. In summary, Oyo Empire and Ibadan kingdom are perceived as independent entities amid geopolitics, hence the occasional cold war on superiority. Oh, the Oluwo of Ibadan, is basically just a chief, he’s not in the conversation. •• Up to 10 apartments or neighbors can now share a nepa prepaid meter, recharge independently, track usage and your power goes off when your unit finishes, others still remain connected, no more drama. only possible with Vendr Utilities smart box. DM @VendrNg now || [email protected] || vendr.ng or direct WhatsApp: wa.me/+2348056441978 or call +2349047262626