Adeyemi, RO2026-04-192026-04-192025https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/17398This paper evaluate the uses and significance of oriki of Alaafin Oyo, a traditional Yoruba praise poetry associated with the royal lineage of Oyo. Using the theoretical framework of speech act theory as develope dby Austin (1962) and Searle (1969), the study investigates the linguistic and performative dimensions of the oriki, focusing specifically on how meaning and intention are encoded and interpreted in the royal chants.enArticle