The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has been sued by a group of princes in Oyo Town who are seeking a court order to restrict his public appearances and official engagements.
The suit, filed at the Oyo State High Court in Oyo Town, was instituted by Ladigbolu Adegboyega, Owoade Tesleem, Adeyemi Adesina and Adeyemi Adebayo under suit number HOY/18/2026.
In their application, the claimants asked the court to grant a perpetual injunction restraining the monarch, his agents or representatives from attending events and functions they believe are not suitable for the status of the Alaafin as a symbolic traditional leader of the Yoruba people.
They also requested another injunction preventing the Alaafin from performing any traditional or official role that could make him appear subordinate or inferior to any other king in Yorubaland.
The princes further urged the court to declare that the Alaafin’s throne holds significant historical importance not only in Yorubaland but also across Nigeria, West Africa and beyond.
They also sought a declaration recognising the Alaafin as a key symbol of unity and the custodian of Yoruba cultural and traditional heritage.
In addition, the claimants requested the court to affirm that the Alaafin remains the paramount ruler and appointing authority over all chieftaincy titles in Oyo Town, as well as Oyo North and Oyo South.
According to the court documents, the Alaafin is expected to enter an appearance either personally or through legal representation by submitting the required forms to the court registry or sending them through registered post.
