Oranmiyan the grandson of Oduduwa founded the ancient Oyo empire at the beginning of the 14th century (after establishing a new dynasty in Benin). He became the first Alaafin (Keeper of the Palace) of the kingdom at Oyo lle.
Subsequent Alaafins exercised authority over a territory that stretched as far as modern day Benin republic. The Alaafin had authority to crown Obas of other Yoruba towns except Ile Ife and received tribute from them.
It is so easy to come across male traditional rulers in Nigeria and Africa at large. They’re very visible figures seen around their local communities and are even known wider, depending on the particular ruler. However, it is almost unusual to hear of female rulers in Nigeria. Often times, they are either wives and put in charge of the
‘domestic affairs’ as heads of women groups. This is a reflection of the patriarchal nature of affairs in the country and laws that women cannot hold such positions in their local communities.
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