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THE DUTIES OF ALAAFIN OYO

Alaafin Oba Adeyemi III 

(Literal translation from a Yoruba script by Oladotun Oladele 08037250845)

 The traditional ruler is the head and administrative authority of the town where they rule, they are the ruler or sovereign over the people and all that is in the land where they reign. Atanda (1980) allowed us to see that the works of a traditional ruler are many. For example, the traditional ruler is not just the native authority and constituted authority alone, he is the head and commander of the military and armed forces too. They are the ones he sends when there are issues with neighbouring towns or villages, when the need arises they also ask for help or alliances or otherwise. The traditional ruler is the highest judge, he is the one who installs chiefs, he can also uninstall a chief. Yorubas regard the traditional ruler as a revered personality that cannot be toyed with.


Balogun (1985) said, all powers comes from Alaafin as the head of traditional rulers, all the works and administration and promoting of the towns are done in his name. Amongst the names they use to refer to Alaafin till today is "Iku Baba Yeye, Alase Ekeji  Orisa" eyi ti Ogunmola (1997) interpreted as (Death, the Absolute Lord, Companion of the gods). The name shows how powerful the position of Alaafin is that he is a very powerful traditional ruler in Yorubaland. 


One of the very important duties of the Alaafin Oyo after he arises in the morning is to hold meetings with Ayabas and his chiefs in an open space in the palace that is called "Ode Aaro". This is where the Alaafin will get to know all that is happening within his household and in his domain from his chiefs from different parts of his domains. All the people who could not come directly to the Alaafin will come to the Ayabas and inform them of what is going on in their areas, the Ayabas will inform the Alaafin for consideration and action.


Alaafin also do hold meetings with the heads or the speaker of his aides. He does this to be informed about what is going on amongst them so he can know what to do and how best ways of addressing issues that bothers on their welfare because he is the one that they are all working for. 


The traditional ruler is the owner of the lands in Oyo. Part of the duties of the Alaafin is to oversee and protect all the lands he inherited from his forebears that it does not get annexed by neighboring towns and individuals. Indigenes who have interests in these lands will go and see the representatives of Alaafin that he had put in charge of the areas where the lands are and negotiate with them. These people would in turn come and present these requests to the Alaafin for his ascent and order.


Part of the duties of Alaafin to his town is to ensure that there is a cordial relationship between him and the government for the progress and development of his metropolis, he is expected to be holding meetings with these representatives like councillors, local government chairmen and the governor for the development of the metropolis and for provision of adequate security of lives and properties.


All business people in Oyo metropolis are under the Alaafin. His duty is to ensure that their businesses does not become endangered and to provide assistance for those deserving. To show gratitude for this magnanimity the business people ought to be giving the king various gifts and tributes, everyday the butcher's do give meat to the Alaafin. Once the aide of the Alaafin arrives in the palace with the meat gift immediately the Alaafin will order that they should cook the beef and serve everyone in the palace including visitors to the palace who have come to see the traditional ruler.


Part of the duties of the Alaafin is to appoint and install his chiefs and Mogajis all around Oyo. Dispute resolutions on matters of land and boundaries.


The duties of the Alaafin Oyo is not limited to Oyo Metropolis alone, all the neighbouring towns and Oyo State in general. All the traditional rulers in Oyo State have cordial relationship with him, they see Alaafin as a father, they do consult him and seek his advises on matters for guidance and protection. In this modern days of politics where the powers of traditional rulers have been whittled down, any matter that ought to get to the government, the Alaafin will device means of how they would meet with the government and they would consult together for development and progress.


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