Obalufon Alayemore

Obalufon Alayemore (Yoruba: Ọbalùfọ̀n Aláyémọrẹ), also referenced as Ọbalùfọ̀n II or just Alayemore, was the third Ooni of Ife, a paramount traditional ruler of the Ife Empire. He succeeded his father Obalufon Ogbogbodirin. Obalufon Alayemore was forced out of power by Ooni Oranmiyan and later returned with the help of local residents to reclaim the throne. After his death, he was deified and is now revered as an Oriṣa, the patron deity of art, weaving, bronze and brass casting, mononymously referred to as in the Yoruba religion.

Reign

In historiography, Obalufon II is renowned for his vigorous military campaigns and political diplomacy aimed at restoring Ifè's influence and control over commercial networks in the northern region. Obalufon II revived the expansionist policies initiated by his predecessors in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, which had previously expanded the Ifè Empire to include Owu, Owo, Edo, as well as significant portions of Ekiti and Igbomina territories, all falling under the sphere of Ife's influence.

He is identified today as not only as the patron deity of copper casting arts and textiles but also as the deity of good governance and the founder of Ogboni, the association identified with both the selection of rulers and with maintaining safe roads for commerce. One of the most famous artworks with which he is identified as patron is the pure copper mask shown here and known as the Obalufon mask. It was long stored in the palace in the room identified with coronations and is believed to have served a role in those rites. it is also stated that he was the first ruler of Ile-Ife to use a crown as symbol of authority

Death Obalufon II likely died of an infectious disease that ravaged the city during the last years of his reign. This infection was likely smallpox, a recurrent epidemic in Ife.