Oyo Princes Seek Court Order To Regulate Alaafin’s Public Engagements

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has been summoned to appear either in person or through legal representation in a suit filed by some princes of Oyo Kingdom at the Oyo State High Court in Oyo Town.

The claimants — Ladigbolu Adegboyega, Owoade Tesleem, Adeyemi Adesina and Adeyemi Adebayo — in suit No: HOY/18/2026, were seeking a perpetual injunction preventing the monarch, as the defendant, whether directly or through agents, associates or any other parties, from attending or participating in events considered inconsistent with the dignity and status of the traditional head of the Yoruba race.

They were also asking the court to restrain the defendant from performing any traditional or official role that could place him in a position of subordination to any monarch in Yorubaland.

Furthermore, the claimants were requesting a declaration affirming the historical and cultural significance of the Alaafin stool, presently occupied by the defendant, across Yorubaland, Nigeria, West Africa and the global community.

“A declaration that the Alaafin of Oyo is the symbol of unity, togetherness and the pivotal holder of the cultural, customary and traditional heritage of the Yoruba people.

“A declaration that the Alaafin of Oyo is the paramount ruler and appointing authority over all chieftaincies in Oyo Town as well as Oyo North and South,” the suit read.

According to the writ of summons, the defendant may respond to the suit by entering an appearance personally or through legal counsel by submitting the required forms at the registry of the High Court where the matter was filed or forwarding them via registered post.