Ranking of Obas in Yorubaland by Alake of Egbaland

 
The ranking of Kings or Obas in Yorubaland has been a topic which has generated much controversy over the years.

Moreso,
the issue was once more raised as reactions continue to trail the
snubbing of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi by the Oba of Lagos,
Rilwan Akiolu.
In what seem like an answer to the lingering
question of who are the most powerful kings in Yorubaland, the Alake and
Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, revealed the top 5
paramount rulers in Yorubaland.
1. Ooni of Ife: The Ooni of Ife is
the most powerful king in Yorubaland. According to Alake, the Oni is
the first of the five principal Obas in Yorubaland just like the Sultan
is the highest ruler in northern Nigeria.
2. Alaafin of Oyo: The
Alaafin is the second in ranking of Obas in Yorubaland. The Oyo Dynasty
dates back to the Old Oyo empire which recognises Alaafin as emperor.
3.
Oba of Benin: Some say the Oba of Benin is the highest as he heads the
Eweka dynasty of the great Benin Kingdom. It is also said that the
Yoruba people descended from Benin hence, the title of Oba, used to mean
king was first created by Oba Eweka 1, Benin’s first Oba who ascended
in 1180.
4. Alake of Egbaland
5. Awujale of Ijebuland