By Prosper Mene
The Alaafin of Oyo’s palace has defended the recent installation of a new Baale by one of the monarch’s wives, describing it as fully in line with established traditions.
According to a statement from the palace, the installation of Alhaji Chief Oyedokun Sulaiman Akinade as the Baale of Ona-Aka community in Oyo town by Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade, wife of the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, is valid and follows long-standing Oyo chieftaincy customs.
The palace spokesperson emphasized that Oyo tradition permits an Ayaba (queen) to preside over the installation of a Baale when directed by the Kabiyesi (the Alaafin). This practice is not new and aligns with historical precedents in the kingdom.
During the ceremony held at the ancient Alaafin Palace, Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade counseled the new Baale to prioritize building strong networks rooted in trust and respect. She urged him to foster a sense of belonging and community identity, bridge gaps between groups, promote inclusivity, and prevent divisions that could spark internal conflicts.
The Ayaba also charged the new community head to act as an arbitrator in household and community disputes, maintain unflinching loyalty to the Alaafin, and encourage cooperation among residents for the overall progress and development of Ona-Aka.
The crowning has drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning the optics in the social media era, while others noted that similar installations by royal wives occurred in the past (including during the reign of the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III), though less publicly visible before widespread digital coverage.
The palace reaffirms that such delegations reflect the structured roles within the Oyo royal household and do not deviate from cultural norms. The installation underscores ongoing efforts to uphold Yoruba traditions while promoting peace, unity, and community advancement under the current Alaafin’s reign.
