The age-long tussle for supremacy between two foremost Yoruba monarchs, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, flared up again on Monday following a controversial chieftaincy conferment.
Over the weekend, the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the unveiling of “2geda,” an indigenous social media and business networking platform, at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan. Ogunwusi praised Sanusi’s contributions to the cultural and economic growth of the Yoruba race, describing them as “unparalleled.”
But in a strongly worded statement signed by his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin condemned the move, insisting that only the Alaafin reserves the authority to bestow any title covering the entirety of Yorubaland.
“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check and call him to order. Because of that ‘above-the-law’ syndrome of his, he is in the habit of walking on everybody’s back, including the Supreme Court, which had ruled on the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer such titles,” the statement read.
The Alaafin demanded that the Ooni revoke the title within 48 hours “or face the consequences.”
Oba Owoade further stressed that the Ooni’s jurisdiction was restricted, pointing out that his instrument of office limits his authority to Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South local governments.
While warning against actions that could undermine peace in Yorubaland, the Alaafin said:
“We say we want development, but no meaningful and sustainable development will come without peace and unity. Our forefathers worked for unity, and we must not allow personal ambition to derail it.”
As of press time, efforts to reach the Ooni’s palace spokesperson, Moses Olafare, were unsuccessful. Calls and messages were not returned.
The latest dispute underscores recurring tensions between the two thrones, both of which are regarded as highly influential in Yoruba history and culture.
