Tension is brewing in Yorubaland after the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, openly challenged the authority of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, over the conferment of a pan-Yoruba chieftaincy title.
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The Ooni recently conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the unveiling of “2geda,” a new indigenous social media and networking platform in Ibadan. While the Ooni praised Sanusi’s contributions to Yoruba culture and economy, the Alaafin described the move as “an overreach of authority.”
In a strongly worded statement issued through his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin accused the Ooni of acting beyond his traditional jurisdiction. He emphasized that only the Alaafin reserves the right to bestow titles that cover the entire Yoruba nation.
“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check him. The Supreme Court has ruled that only the Alaafin holds the power to confer such titles. We demand that this so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland title be revoked within 48 hours, or the Ooni should face the consequences,” the statement read.
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The Alaafin further insisted that Oba Ogunwusi’s authority is limited to Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South local government areas, warning against undermining unity and peace across Yorubaland.
He added:
“We say we want development, but no meaningful growth will come without peace and unity. God is involved in our matter, and our forefathers ensured peace in Yorubaland. It must not be destroyed.”
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, were unsuccessful.
The public clash between two of Yoruba’s most respected monarchs has sparked widespread debate about tradition, authority, and cultural preservation in the region.
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