Kolade Oladigbolu: A Contender for Alaafin of Oyo

The proverb goes that apples rarely fall far from their trees. When they do, there’s doubt as to which tree they fell from. This applies in the case of Prince Kolade Oladigbolu. Currently, speculation is swirling around his potential candidacy for the esteemed throne of Alaafin of Oyo. With a lineage tracing back to his grandfather, Oba Abubakar Oladigbolu, and great-grandfather, Oba Muhammad Agogo-Ija, who both held the revered position, Prince Kolade finds himself at the centre of discussions regarding the succession to the throne.

His familial ties to past monarchs, coupled with his deep immersion in Yoruba culture and tradition, position Prince Kolade as a formidable contender for the vacant stool of Alaafin. Beyond his maritime and entrepreneurial pursuits, his extensive knowledge of Yoruba history and traditions, gleaned from experiences in royal palaces across Yorubaland, underscores his suitability for the esteemed role.

Prince Kolade’s insights into the significance of the term “Alaafin” in Yoruba culture highlight his deep understanding of royal terminology and the symbolic importance of the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo. His articulate defence of Yoruba heritage and the unique role of the Alaafin further reinforces his qualifications for the position.

Additionally, his familial connection to past Alaafins, with his father being a younger brother to the late Oba Bello Gbadegesin, adds another layer of legitimacy to his potential candidacy. The anticipation surrounding the emergence of the next Alaafin, particularly in light of the revered legacy of Oba Siyanbola Ladigbolu, only intensifies the speculation surrounding Prince Kolade’s candidacy.