Professor Toyin Falola Advises New Alaafin to Prioritize Yoruba Culture Over Islam

Renowned scholar and historian Professor Toyin Falola has advised the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to prioritize Yoruba traditions over Islamic influences in his reign. Falola emphasized that the Alaafin should see himself as a leader for all Yoruba people, not just Muslims....CONTINUE READING>>>

This counsel appears to address concerns over the promotion of Islamic culture at the expense of Yoruba traditions, a sentiment attributed to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurasheed Akanbi, particularly regarding Isese traditional practices.

In an article titled ‘Alaafin Owoade and Yoruba Renaissance,’ Falola highlighted the importance of maintaining the cultural integrity of Yoruba leadership. He stated:

“As he rebuilds Pan-Yorubana, one of the most critical assignments for every Alaafin is to galvanize his royal authority to reinvigorate the consciousness of the Yorùbá people, generally both at home and abroad. For illustration, being the second-in-command to the supernatural forces, tradition dictates that no first-class Yorùbá Oba should bow for anyone, not even their biological parents, for the action of genuflecting by people of such authority means submission, not only of themselves but also the collective Yorùbá irrespective of their sub-nations.”

Falola further urged Oba Owoade to avoid actions that might compromise the cultural leadership of the Alaafin, including kneeling before religious leaders.

“Alaafin Owoade is not part of the Sokoto Caliphate. No one has given him a flag! Yes, he is a Muslim, but he must see himself first as a Yoruba before being a Muslim. He is not the king of Muslims but the king of the Yoruba people. He must not be associated with the expansion of the Sharia. He is an Alaafin, a cultural Yoruba leader, not an Amir al-Mu’minin, the Commander of the Faithful. The day he gets drawn into political Islam, that day his rule is over.”

Falola’s remarks underscore the importance of preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Yoruba people under the leadership of the Alaafin.