The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has declared invalid a chieftaincy title conferred on Brazilian national Paola Almeida Ferreira by Yemoja worshippers in Oyo.
The monarch said the title, “Yeye Atayese Oniyemoja of Oyo Land,” was bestowed on August 23, 2026, without the knowledge or approval of the Alaafin’s palace.
Alaafin Rejects Title
In a statement dated August 26, 2026, with reference number AL 1/VOL.8/105, Oba Owoade said traditional titles in Oyo and its environs cannot be validly conferred without the awareness and permission of the Alaafin.
“This statement is to certify in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under the native laws, customs and chieftaincy tradition of Oyo Land that any traditional title can’t be conferred without the awareness and permission of the authority of the Alaafin in Oyo community and its environs,” the statement read.
The monarch consequently declared Ferreira’s title “OFFICIALLY INVALID.”
Brazilian Woman Celebrated Conferment
Ferreira had announced the conferment on social media on August 24, describing the title as a priestly position connected to the Yemoja cult.
She described the role as a responsibility tied to what she called the deity’s “strength, protection, and transformative power,” and associated Yemoja with life, motherhood, acceptance, depth and renewal.
Ferreira also said the title represented a commitment to promoting balance, prosperity and positive transformation among devotees.
Palace Asserts Traditional Authority
Photos circulated with reports of the ceremony showed Ferreira dressed in white and holding a ceremonial fan bearing the title, alongside other women associated with Yemoja worship.
The development was first widely reported by Oyo Affairs before being covered by other Nigerian media outlets.
The Alaafin’s decision is consistent with the palace’s broader position that traditional titles within Oyo must comply with established native laws, customs and chieftaincy traditions.
The palace has previously rejected other claims to traditional positions that were made without its approval, reinforcing the Alaafin’s authority over chieftaincy matters in Oyo Land.
