Oyo Palace Confirms Alaafin’s Wife’s Authority To Install Baale Amid Controversy

The clarification followed public reactions to the recent installation of Oyedokun Akinade as Baale by the Alaafin’s wife, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, an event that sparked debate across parts of the Yoruba-speaking region.

Speaking on behalf of the palace, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaye, explained that the installation process was conducted strictly in line with long-established chieftaincy customs of Oyo town. He noted that the exercise was duly authorised and should not be viewed as a departure from tradition.

Durojaye dismissed criticisms surrounding the installation, stressing that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, lawfully delegated the responsibility to his wife, a practice he said is fully recognised under Oyo chieftaincy tradition.

He further explained that while the Alaafin alone retains the exclusive right to install kings, tradition permits the monarch to assign the installation of Baales to the Ayaba when necessary. He added that such an arrangement is not new, recalling that a similar practice was observed during the reign of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.

The palace’s statement comes amid sustained public discourse, with some commentators questioning the appropriateness of a royal consort performing duties they consider central to traditional leadership.

Meanwhile, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, in a message conveyed through the palace, urged the newly installed Baale to focus on promoting peace, unity, and inclusive development within the Ona-Aka community. She encouraged him to foster trust, strengthen communal bonds, and prevent divisions that could hinder grassroots progress.