Alaafin Orompoto or Orompotoniyun , the first and only female Alaafin in the history of Yoruba .. She is known across western Nigeria as the first female Alaafin of Oyo in the imperial era. She was the seventh Alaafin of Oyo, and was recognized for her bravery and remarkable achievements during her reign. Orompoto was the daughter of Alaafin Ofinran, a former ruler of the Oyo Empire.. Alaafin Ajiun Orompotoniyun, ruled the Oyo empire in the 16th century, speculatively from 1554 to 1562
During her reign Orompoto was responsible for leading the Oyo Empire between the years 1554 to 1562. She was the daughter of Alaafin Ofinran and the grand daughter of Alaafin Onigbogi, both rulers of the Empire in their own time.
When her father died, her brother, Prince Eguguoju succeeded his father. It was during his reign that the capital city was moved from Oyo ile to Oyo Igboho (New Oyo), after a protracted battle with the Nupes (Tapa Bida ) and also as a result of internal fighting. However, he died at a young age without a male successor.
His younger brothers, Prince Ajiboyede and Prince Tella were very young and as such couldn’t assume the throne at the time.
Princess Orompotoniyun was the only link to the Alaafin dynasty, but since it was forbidden for a woman to rule the empire, the chiefs and elders started making plots on how to install themselves as kings.
When she got wind of their plan, Princess Orompoto summoned the chiefs to discuss plans for her coronation but the chiefs and elders refused, saying that a female could never become king.
Orompotoniyun, still determined, told them that she was ready to prove to that she was a man and not a woman….
