The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has declared invalid a traditional title bestowed on Brazilian national Paola Almeida Ferreira by Yemoja worshippers in Oyo, saying the conferment was made without the permission of the palace.
Ferreira was, on August 23, 2026, bestowed with the title “Yeye Atayese Oniyemoja of Oyo Land,” according to her subsequent social media post.
However, in a public statement dated August 26 and signed by the Alaafin, the monarch said the title was not valid under the native laws, customs, and chieftaincy traditions of Oyo Land.
The statement, titled “Title Yeye Atayese Oniyemoja of Oyo Land,” was issued from the Alaafin’s palace under reference number AL 1/VOL.8/105.
His Imperial Majesty the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Owoade, said traditional titles could not be conferred in Oyo without the knowledge and approval of the Alaafin, whom he described as the prescribed authority and custodian of the town’s historical and cultural heritage.
“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 the Oyo community and its environs,” the monarch said.
He subsequently declared the title given to Ferreira officially invalid.
“Therefore, the Alaafin of Oyo, the custodian of the historical and cultural heritage in Oyo as the prescribed authority, hereby informs that the title YEYE ATAYESE ONIYEMONJA OF OYO LAND, bestowed on the 23rd August 2026 to PAOLA ALMEIDA FERREIRA, a Brazilian citizen, is OFFICIALLY INVALID,” Oba Owoade stated.
Ferreira had celebrated the conferment of the title in a Facebook post on August 24, describing it as a position carrying responsibility and a connection to the sacred.
“There are titles that are responsibilities, recognition, and commitment to the sacred,” she wrote.
She described Atayese Oniyemoja as a priestly title associated with the Yemoja cult and said it was linked to the “strength, protection, and transformative power” of the deity.
According to Ferreira, Yemoja represents “a source of life, motherhood, acceptance, depth, and strength.”
“Her waters nourish, protect, and renew!” she added.
Explaining the significance she attached to the title, Ferreira wrote, “Therefore, carrying the title Atayese Oniyemoja represents being linked to a greater mission: to transform, care for, guide, and contribute to people’s lives, finding paths of balance, prosperity, and renewal through the strength of Yemọja.”
She further described the title as one that carries a responsibility to Yemoja and to devotees seeking positive transformation.
“Atayese Oniyemoja: one who carries a responsibility before Yemọja and before those who seek, through her strength, a better life,” she said.
Ferreira concluded her post with a prayer for devotees of Yemoja.
“May the waters of Yemọja continue to open paths, bring transformation, and strengthen all those who walk under her protection. Àṣẹ!” she wrote.
Credit: nuj-europe-chapter.blogspot.com
