A traditional rift appears to be widening in Yorubaland as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has issued a strong rebuke to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the recent conferment of the chieftaincy title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Ibadan-born business magnate, Engineer Dotun Sanusi.
In a statement released by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as a direct affront to the revered institution of the Alaafin, insisting that only the Alaafin holds the exclusive authority to confer titles that span the entire Yorubaland.
Oba Owoade further condemned the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Ooni, which reportedly demands the revocation of the title. The Alaafin has called on the Ooni to immediately withdraw the ultimatum and refrain from actions that could ignite unnecessary conflict among Yoruba traditional institutions.
Exclusive right lies with the Alaafin – Palace statement
The statement reads in part:
“The attention of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has been drawn to the purported conferment of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a business tycoon, Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
“The conferment of a title pertaining to all of Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is an affront to the revered institution of the Alaafin, who is the Titan of Yorubaland and who alone holds the exclusive right to bestow any chieftaincy title covering the entire Yorubaland.”
The Alaafin’s office cited a Supreme Court ruling that it says affirms the Alaafin’s sole authority in such matters, accusing the Ooni of repeatedly ignoring legal and traditional boundaries.
“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as though no authority exists to hold him accountable. This ‘above the law’ attitude has led him to tread on established institutions, including the apex court of the land, which had ruled in favour of the Alaafin’s exclusive preserve,” the statement added.
Ooni’s jurisdiction “limited”, says Alaafin
The Alaafin also emphasised that the Ooni’s instrument of office restricts his traditional authority to the former Oranmiyan Local Government, now divided into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.
“The dictum that nobody is above the law is now being tested. The Alaafin is compelled to call the Ooni to order and demand the revocation of the so-called ‘Okanlomo of Yorubaland’ chieftaincy title within 48 hours or face the consequences.”
Oba Owoade referenced his recent unity tour across Yorubaland, where he consistently stressed the need for peace among traditional rulers for the sake of development.
“It is the joy of our forefathers for us to be united. They laboured for peace in Yorubaland, and we must continue in that legacy. God is involved in our affairs, and we must not allow pride or ego to jeopardise our unity,” he said during one of the visits.
“We say we want development, but no meaningful or sustainable progress can occur without peace and unity.”
However, the Alaafin expressed concern that the Ooni appears to be misinterpreting his conciliatory efforts.
“It seems the Ooni is misconstruing the Alaafin’s peace initiative as a weakness. His recent actions are not only ultra vires but derogatory to the Titan of Yorubaland.”
This latest disagreement between two of the most prominent traditional rulers in the Yoruba cultural sphere raises questions about jurisdiction, protocol, and the balance of power within Nigeria’s traditional leadership structures.
As of press time, the Ooni of Ife has not issued an official response to the Alaafin’s statement.
Observers and cultural historians warn that unless amicably resolved, such disputes could undermine efforts toward unity and cohesion within the Yoruba nation.
