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 Alaafin of Oyo’s palace has defended the controversial installation of the Baale of Ona-Aka community in Oyo town by the monarch’s wife, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, insisting that the process followed long-established chieftaincy tradition.
The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode 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.
Durojaye spoke on Thursday during an interview with PUNCH in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, following public debate sparked by Wednesday’s ceremony held at the Alaafin’s palace.
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 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.
“You act as an arbitrator in household and community-level disputes, using dialogue and mediation to maintain harmony,” the Ayaba said.
“You are the first line of defence in maintaining stability. You must identify early warning signs of conflict and use local mechanisms, including traditional courts, to resolve disputes.”
She also emphasised the Baale’s role as a critical link between the Alaafin and the people, noting that community heads carry moral authority essential for social cohesion and local development.
The palace’s intervention appears aimed at shutting down growing controversy and reaffirming traditional boundaries, even as evolving interpretations of royal roles continue to generate public scrutiny.