Rivalry, power tussle between Ooni and Alaafin: Challenge to historians

Rivalry, power tussle between Ooni and Alaafin: Challenge to historians

Fatai ADEWUYI

The rivalry between Ooni and Alaafin as to who is superior is an age-long one and should be a challenge to historians. As a student of history dated back 70s, all we were made to understand is that lle-Ife is the traditional home of the Yoruba and the cradle of civilization while Oyo was the political seat of the Yoruba headed by the Alaafin. From these two facts, one can deduce that Ooni being the father of all Yoruba may appear superior. From deductive reasoning, Alaafin was one of the sons of Oduduwa that founded other Yoruba kingdoms like Oyo, Owu, Ake, Benin, Exo, etc. So, one can say that father should be superior to the son. Judging from recent administrative arrangement under democracy, the traditional seat of government cannot be superior to the seat of government. Likewise, if Ife is the traditional seat of we Yoruba and Oyo, Ago Oja or oyo Ile, is the administrative seat of we Yoruba, the rivalry is uncalled for.

However, from my academic discuss as an amateur historian I wish professors of history should throw more light on this controversial issue and educate us on it. Adding to the problem is role of government or politicians that have worsened the rivary by playing the two against one another. I pray the two settle amicably and embrace confederacy method in their relationship. Historians this is your challenge.

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