Here’s a detailed list of all the Alaafins (Kings) of Oyo, from the legendary founder Oranmiyan to the most recent monarch. The Alaafin of Oyo was traditionally the supreme ruler of the Oyo Empire, one of the most powerful pre-colonial empires in West Africa. Today, the Alaafin remains a key figure in Yoruba culture and history.
List of All Alaafin of Oyo (Chronological Order)
Legendary & Early Rulers (Mythical to Early Historical Period)
- Oranmiyan – Founder of the Oyo Empire, son of Oduduwa
- Ajaka (1st reign) – Peaceful king, deposed for weakness
- Sango (Shango) – Powerful warrior king, later deified as the god of thunder
- Ajaka (2nd reign) – Restored to throne after Sango’s death
- Aganju – Known for expansion and cultural development
- Kori – Son of Aganju, known for battles against Nupe
- Oluaso – Reign marked by peace, wealth, and beauty
Classical Alaafins (Oyo Empire Period)
These rulers reigned during the height of the Oyo Empire (approx. 15th–18th century):
- Onigbogi
- Ofinran
- Eguguojo
- Orompoto – First and only female Alaafin
- Ajiboyede
- Abipa – Returned the capital to Oyo-Ile; earned title “Oba m’oro” (King who caught ghosts)
- Obalokun
- Adegolu
- Odarawu
- Kanran – Tyrannical, overthrown
- Jayin
- Ayibi
- Osiyago
- Ojigi – Reigned during the height of the empire’s military power
- Gberu
- Amuniwaiye
- Onisile
- Labisi
- Awonbioju
- Agboluaje
- Majeogbe
- Abiodun Adegolu – Known for peace and economic prosperity
Decline and Colonial Era (19th–20th Century)
- Awole Arogangan – His reign marked the start of Oyo’s collapse
- Adebo
- Majotu
- Amodo
- Orompoto II
- Adelu Agunloye – First Alaafin to accept British indirect rule
- Adeyemi I Alowolodu – Last pre-colonial king; deposed by British in 1946
Modern Era Alaafins (Post-Independence Nigeria)
- Ladigbolu II – Reigned briefly during colonial transition
- Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (1970–2022)
- Longest-reigning Alaafin (52 years)
- Influential traditional ruler, cultural custodian, and political figure
- Died April 22, 2022
Current Status (as of 2025)
- No official Alaafin yet installed since Lamidi Adeyemi III’s passing
- Selection process for a new Alaafin is ongoing (with various candidates and royal families contesting)
Quick Facts:
- The title “Alaafin” means “Owner of the Palace” in Yoruba.
- Traditionally, the Alaafin ruled with a council of chiefs (Oyo Mesi), who could compel him to commit suicide if he lost favor.
- The capital of the Oyo Empire was Oyo-Ile, later moved to New Oyo (Oyo-Alaafin) after Fulani invasions.
