By TENSIONS have flared between two of the most prominent traditional rulers in Yorubaland, as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, issued a stern ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the reversal of a recently conferred chieftaincy title.
In a statement released through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin accused the Ooni of overstepping his traditional authority by conferring the title of “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on businessman Engineer Dotun Sanusi.
According to the Alaafin, such a title—encompassing all of Yorubaland—falls strictly within his exclusive jurisdiction, a position he claims is backed by a Supreme Court ruling.
He described the Ooni’s actions as “an affront” and a challenge to the revered institution of the Alaafin.
“The conferment of a chieftaincy title which bothers on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the referred institution of the Alaafin who is the Titan of Yorubaland, but also a direct violation of legal precedent,” the statement read.
Oba Owoade further asserted that the instrument of office presented to the Ooni during his installation restricts his authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, which has since been subdivided into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.
He issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the Ooni to revoke the title, warning of undisclosed consequences should the directive be ignored.
“The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test,” the statement said.
While the Alaafin warned that his desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness, he firmly insisted that the institution of the Alaafin must be respected and upheld.
Tribune Online made multiple attempts to contact the Ooni of Ife for comment, but as of the time of filing this report, neither Oba Ogunwusi nor his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, had responded to calls or messages.
The unfolding rift underscores ongoing sensitivities around traditional authority and influence in southwestern Nigeria, particularly in matters of chieftaincy titles that carry significant cultural weight.
It remains to be seen whether the Ooni will heed the Alaafin’s demand or whether this will escalate into a more profound confrontation between two of Yoruba culture’s most iconic thrones.
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