The Alaafin of Oyo remains one of the most prestigious traditional titles in Nigeria, symbolizing the rich heritage, political influence, and cultural leadership of the Yoruba people. Over the centuries, the Alaafin stool has been occupied by iconic rulers whose reigns have shaped the trajectory of the Oyo Kingdom.
On January 10, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, formally approved the selection of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the 45th Alaafin of Oyo. This new chapter in Oyo’s history follows the passing of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who reigned for over five decades before his death in April 2022.
Below is the full list of all 45 Alaafin of Oyo, from the founder of the dynasty, Oranyan, to the newly appointed Alaafin, Owoade, along with their years of reign:
Oranyan (c. 1000 – c. 1050) – Founder of the Oyo dynasty and a grandson (or son) of Oduduwa.
Ajaka (c. 1050 – c. 1075) – A peaceful ruler, overthrown by his warrior brother.
Shango (c. 1075 – c. 1085) – Known as a warrior king and deified as an orisha in Yoruba mythology.
Ajaka (restored) (c. 1085 – c. 1095) – Returned to the throne after Shango’s demise.
Aganjusola (c. 1095 – c. 1105) – A king associated with taming wild animals and longevity.
Kori (c. 1105 – c. 1135) – Expanded Oyo Ile and reigned for over 50 years.
Oluaso (c. 1135 – c. 1150) – A prolific ruler known for his numerous descendants.
Onigbogi (c. 1150 – c. 1170) – Fled the capital during Nupe invasions in the 1500s.
Ofiran (c. 1170 – c. 1190) – Reclaimed some Oyo territory while in exile.
Eguguojo (c. 1190 – c. 1205) – Established Igboho as the new capital.
Orompoto (c. 1205 – c. 1220) – First female Alaafin, known for victories over the Nupe.
Ajiboyede (c. 1220 – c. 1240) – Introduced the Bere festival.
Abipa (c. 1240 – c. 1255) – Rebuilt Oyo-Ile after 80 years in exile.
Obalokun (c. 1255 – c. 1270) – Oversaw Oyo’s expansion and European trade.
Oluodo (c. 1270 – c. 1285) – Died in battle against the Nupe.
Ajagbo (c. 1285 – c. 1300) – Introduced the Sesefun crown and created the title of Aare Ona Kankanfo.
Odarawu (c. 1300 – c. 1320) – Overthrown by the Oyo Mesi.
Kanran (c. 1320 – c. 1340) – Killed during a mutiny.
Jayin (c. 1340 – c. 1360) – A tyrant overthrown by the Oyo Mesi.
Ayibi (c. 1360 – c. 1375) – A rejected king whose reign saw Allada come under Oyo.
Osiyago (c. 1375 – c. 1390) – Assassinated following a dynastic dispute.
Ojigi (c. 1390 – c. 1410) – Conquered the Dahomey Kingdom.
Gberu (c. 1410 – c. 1425) – Deposed after a power struggle with his Basorun.
Amuniwaiye (c. 1425 – c. 1440) – Assassinated by a personal enemy.
Onisile (c. 1440 – c. 1460) – Rejected by the Oyo Mesi.
Labisi (c. 1460 – c. 1475) – Forced to commit suicide by Bashorun Gaa.
Awonbioju (c. 1475 – c. 1490) – Ruled for 130 days before being compelled to suicide.
Agboluaje (c. 1490 – c. 1510) – Forced to commit suicide after refusing to declare war.
Majeogbe (c. 1510 – c. 1530) – Brother of Agboluaje.
Abiodun (c. 1530 – c. 1550) – Defeated Bashorun Gaa and granted Egba independence.
Awole Arogangan (c. 1550 – c. 1570) – Overthrown by Afonja and his army.
Adebo (c. 1570 – c. 1590) – Ruled briefly before his death.
Makua (c. 1590 – c. 1592) – Reigned for only two months.
Majotu (c. 1592 – c. 1600) – His reign witnessed Ilorin’s secession and Dahomey’s independence.
Amodo (c. 1600 – c. 1620) – Saw Oyo sacked by Ilorin in 1833.
Oluewu (c. 1620 – c. 1640) – The last Alaafin of the Oyo Empire.
Atiba Atobatele (c. 1835 – c. 1845) – Relocated Oyo south to its current location.
Olujide Adelu Agunloye (c. 1845 – c. 1855) – Eldest son of Atiba.
Adeyemi I Alowolodu (c. 1855 – c. 1899) – Last independent Alaafin and later a British vassal.
Lamidi Amubieya Agogoja (c. 1899 – c. 1919) – Eldest son of Adelu.
Siyanbola Onikepe Oladigbolu I (c. 1919 – c. 1945) – Known for stability during colonial.
Adeyemi II Adeniran (c. 1945 – c. 1965) – Son of Adeyemi I.
Bello Gbadegesin Oladigbolu II (c. 1965 – c. 1995) – Witnessed Nigeria’s independence.
Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (c. 1995 – 2022) – Reigned for over 50 years, modernizing the throne.
Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade (2025 – present) – The newly appointed Alaafin, ushering in a new era for the Oyo Kingdom.
