The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has delivered a stern and unexpected warning to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the withdrawal of a chieftaincy title recently bestowed on Ibadan businessman, Engineer Dotun Sanusi.
The Ooni had conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Sanusi, a move that the Alaafin described as a “direct affront” to his authority.
According to the statement signed by the Alaafin’s media director, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch insisted that the title must be revoked within 48 hours or the Ooni should “be ready to face the consequences.”
“The conferment of any chieftaincy title covering the entirety of Yorubaland remains the exclusive right of the Alaafin, as affirmed by the Supreme Court,” the statement read.
The Alaafin further accused the Ooni of stepping beyond his legal boundaries, arguing that the Ooni’s authority is restricted to Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South Local Government Areas.
He noted that the instrument of office presented to the Ooni at his installation clearly outlined these limits.
“By bestowing such a title, the Ooni has acted beyond his jurisdiction, disregarding the apex court ruling and undermining the revered institution of the Alaafin,” the monarch stated.
This development, seen by many as an unexpected escalation between two of Yorubaland’s most respected monarchs, has sparked discussions about tradition, authority, and unity among Yoruba leaders.
Oba Owoade recalled his recent unity tour across Yorubaland, stressing that progress cannot be achieved without peace.
“Our forefathers desired unity and worked hard to preserve it. We must do the same. No development can be achieved without peace and unity,” he emphasized.
While he noted that his efforts to promote unity should not be mistaken for weakness, the Alaafin warned that the Ooni’s actions were “ultra vires and derogatory” to the institution of the Alaafin.
Meanwhile, the Ooni has not issued an official response, the situation continues to generate widespread reactions from Yoruba communities at home and in the diaspora.
