A fresh clash has erupted between two of Yorubaland’s most powerful monarchs, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, over the conferment of a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title.
The controversy began after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman, Engineer Dotun Sanusi. The Alaafin rejected the move, insisting that only his throne has the authority to bestow Yoruba-wide titles.
Alaafin Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum
In a statement signed by his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as an “affront” and a “direct challenge” to his authority, citing a Supreme Court ruling that allegedly backs his claim. He warned of consequences if the Ooni failed to withdraw the title within 48 hours.
Ooni Declines Response
The Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, dismissed the ultimatum, saying the palace would not dignify the threat with an official response.
“We cannot dignify the ‘undignifiable’ with a response. Let’s focus on unity, not division,” Olafare wrote in a Facebook post.
A Dispute With Historical Roots
This is not the first time both thrones have clashed. In 1991, the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, strongly opposed the late Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade, for conferring a Yoruba-wide title on politician Chief Tom Ikimi, a move Adeyemi described as a desecration of tradition.
What Next?
For now, the Ooni appears unwilling to engage in open confrontation, leaving the dispute to public opinion and historical interpretation. However, the clash underscores the deep-rooted rivalry between two of the most influential monarchies in Yorubaland.
