The Alaafin of Oyo is the traditional ruler of the Oyo Kingdom, a historic Yoruba state in present-day Nigeria.
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has formally approved the selection of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as new Alaafin of Oyo.
Below is a list of notable Alaafins from the establishment of the Oyo Empire to the present:
Oranyan (c. 1300): Founder of the Oyo Empire and its first Alaafin.
Ajaka: Succeeded Oranyan; known for his peaceful reign.
Shango: Brother of Ajaka; renowned for his powerful and warlike nature; later deified as the god of thunder.
Ajaka (restored): Returned to the throne after Shango’s departure.
Aganju: Son of Ajaka; noted for taming wild animals and a long reign.
Kori (c. 1400): Expanded Oyo Ile and waged war against Ede; reigned for over 50 years.
Oluaso (c. 1500): Known for a prosperous and peaceful reign.
Onigbogi (c. 1500): Faced challenges that led to the temporary relocation of the capital.
Ofirin: Details of his reign are sparse.
Eguguojo: Little is known about his tenure.
Orompoto: Notably the first female Alaafin; led Oyo to several military victories.
Ajiboyede (1562 – 1570): Alaafin Starts the First Bere festival under reign.
Abipa (c. 1600): Returned the capital to Oyo Ile and rebuilt the city’s prominence.
Obalokun: His reign details are limited.
Oluodo: Little information is available about his rule.
Ajagbo: Known for administrative reforms and strengthening the empire.
Odarawu: Overthrown by the Oyo Mesi due to tyranny.
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Kanran: Killed during a mutiny of his army.
Jayin: Deposed by the Oyo Mesi for tyranny.
Ayibi: Overthrown due to misrule.
Osiyago: Assassinated after a dynastic dispute.
Ojigi (c. 1724–1735): Conquered the Dahomey Kingdom in 1730.
Gberu (c. 1735–1746): Deposed by the Oyo Mesi.
Amuniwaiye (1746): Assassinated by a personal enemy.
Onisile (1746–1754): Deposed by the Oyo Mesi.
Labisi (1754): Compelled to commit suicide by Bashorun Gaa.
Awonbioju (1754): Ruled for about 130 days before being forced to commit suicide.
Agboluaje (1754–1770): Forced to commit suicide by Bashorun Gaa.
Majeogbe (c. 1770–1789): Brother of Agboluaje.
Abiodun (c. 1770–1789): Defeated Bashorun Gaa; the Egba gained independence during his reign.
Awole Arogangan (1789–1796): Overthrown by Afonja; committed suicide.
Adebo (1796–1797): Ruled for about 130 days; died under unclear circumstances.
Makua (1797): Ruled for only two months.
Majotu (1802–1830): Faced the secession of Ilorin and Dahomey’s independence.
Amodo (1830–1833): Oyo was invaded during his reign.
Oluewu (1833–1835): Oversaw the fall of the Oyo Empire after the Eleduwe war.
Atiba Atobatele (1837–1859): Re-established Oyo at a new capital; ancestor of all successive Alaafins.
Adelu (1859–1875): Eldest son of Atiba; chosen by Atiba to ascend the throne.
Adeyemi I Alowolodu (1876–1905): Last independent Alaafin; brought under British colonial rule in 1894.
Lawani Agogoja (1905–1911): Eldest son of Alaafin Adelu.
Siyanbola Onikepe Oladigbolu I (1911–1944): Son of Agogoja.
Adeyemi II Adeniran (1945–1955): Son of Adeyemi I.
Bello Gbadegesin Oladigbolu II (1956–1968): Son of Alaafin Oladigbolu I.
Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (1970–2022): Son of Alaafin Adeyemi II; his reign was marked by cultural revival and modernization efforts.
Prince Abimbola Owoade (2025-Date
