The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has come under criticism from University of Ibadan professor, Ademola Omobewaji Dasylva, over what the academic described as a three-hour delay to a cultural event and the absence of an apology from the monarch or his representatives.
Professor Dasylva, a scholar of English, drama, poetry, African literature and folklore studies at the University of Ibadan, raised the concerns in an article titled “Of Mythography and Mythognosis: A Complementary Perspective on Yoruba Mythology and The Relevance, Today,” published on the Toyin Falola Network.
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The article was written partly to commemorate the inauguration of the Alaafin Institute of Yoruba Studies at Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, held on July 14, 2026.
According to Dasylva, the programme was scheduled to begin at 9am, with invited guests and dignitaries already seated. He said the event programme indicated that Oba Owoade was expected to arrive at 9:55am.
However, the professor alleged that the monarch arrived at about 12:20pm, leaving attendees waiting for more than three hours before the ceremony commenced.
“Everyone was kept waiting and wondering what could have taken the monarch that long to attend to a great honour bestowed on the revered Throne of the Alaafin and Ancestry,” Dasylva wrote.
The university lecturer acknowledged the patience and discipline displayed by the organisers and guests, noting that the event could have been disrupted by the delay.
He said the situation was made more concerning because cultural performances and other activities were not used to occupy the waiting period.
“What disappointed me most,” Dasylva said, was that “not a word of apology for the lateness of the Imperial Majesty and his entourage” was offered either by the monarch’s spokesperson or directly by Oba Owoade.
The professor described the development as unusual for a Yoruba traditional institution, arguing that the Alaafin’s position carries expectations of discipline, respect and cultural responsibility.
“I found that rather strange and incomprehensible,” he stated, adding that such conduct was more commonly associated with some political figures rather than traditional rulers.
Dasylva maintained that Yoruba cultural institutions represent values of courtesy and accountability, stressing that leaders occupying revered positions must uphold those standards.
“I stand to be corrected,” he added while presenting his criticism.
Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, who is currently on vacation in Manitoba, Canada, where he lived before ascending the throne, was not available for comment at the time of filing the report.
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The Alaafin’s office has not issued a public response to the criticism. The incident has sparked conversations about expectations of traditional leadership, public conduct and respect for cultural institutions in modern Nigeria.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
