The Alaafin of Oyo’s palace has stated that the monarch’s wife has the authority to install the Baale of the Ona-Aka community in Oyo town.
Naija News understands that the statement follows the controversial installation of Oyedokun Akinade as the Baale by Alaafin’s wife, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade.
Speaking to Punch, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaye, stated that the process followed long-established chieftaincy tradition.
Durojaye said the installation of Oyedokun Akinade as Baale was properly authorised and carried out in line with Oyo customs, dismissing criticisms that have trailed the event across Yoruba-speaking states.
According to him, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, lawfully delegated the responsibility to his wife, stressing that such delegation is recognised under Oyo chieftaincy tradition.
“The chieftaincy tradition of Oyo town allows the Ayaba to preside over the installation of a Baale, as directed by the Kabiyesi, the Alaafin of Oyo,” Durojaye said.
He added that while only the Alaafin has the exclusive authority to install kings (Obas), the monarch is permitted by tradition to assign the installation of Baales to the Ayaba.
Durojaye further noted that the practice is not without precedent, recalling that a similar arrangement occurred during the reign of the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
The palace’s clarification came amid widespread debate, with some critics questioning the propriety of a royal consort performing what they viewed as a core traditional function.
Meanwhile, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, in a statement released by the palace, charged the newly installed Baale to prioritise peace, inclusivity, and grassroots development in the Ona-Aka community.
She urged the Baale to build trust-based networks, promote unity among diverse groups, and prevent internal divisions that could stall development.
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