A senior aide to President Bola Tinubu has sparked debate by stating that the age of imperial rule linked to the old Oyo Empire is finished. Temitope Ajayi said no traditional ruler in Yorubaland today holds supreme authority over the others.
Ajayi made his comments in a social media post on Saturday. He included a picture of the current Alaafin of Oyo, arguing that historical dominance should not be confused with present-day authority. “We are no longer in the era of the Oyo Empire,” he wrote, comparing it to former global empires that no longer rule their old colonies.
The presidential aide firmly stated that the whole of modern Yorubaland was never under the sole rule of the Alaafin. He emphasized that the Oyo Empire is now a matter for history books, not current political or cultural leadership.
The statement has led to mixed reactions online. It touches on a long-standing discussion about hierarchy among Yoruba traditional rulers. Some historians recognize the Alaafin’s historical importance, while others point to the Ooni of Ife as a central spiritual figure.
Ajayi called for a new model of cooperative leadership among the kings. He urged them to work together to promote peace, unity, and development in their communities while preserving cultural values.
This public intervention by a presidency official places a modern political perspective on ancient traditional structures. It highlights the ongoing tension between historical prestige and contemporary collaborative governance in the region.
