A brewing crisis is unfolding between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the conferment of the Okanlomo of Yoruba land title on Ibadan-based business mogul Chief Dotun Sanusi.
In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade described the Ooni’s action as a “direct affront” to his authority as the paramount ruler and superior head of Yoruba land.
He insisted the title must be withdrawn within 48 hours or the Ooni should be prepared to face the consequences.
The Alaafin has demanded the immediate revocation of the title, describing the Ooni’s action as a “direct affront” to his authority.
The Alaafin asserted that conferring chieftaincy titles covering the entirety of Yoruba land remained his exclusive right, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.
“The conferment of any chieftaincy title covering the entirety of Yoruba land remains the exclusive right of the Alaafin, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.
”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 statement said.
Oba Owoade argued that the Ooni’s jurisdiction was limited to Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South local government areas, as specified in the instrument of office presented during his installation.
The Alaafin emphasised the importance of peace and unity for meaningful development, stressing that his peace initiatives should not be misconstrued as weakness.
The Alaafin demanded the revocation of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title within 48 hours.
He noted that failure to comply might result in consequences, as the Alaafin warned against actions that undermine unity in Yoruba land.
Recall that the Supreme Court had previously affirmed the Alaafin’s sole authority to confer Yoruba-wide titles.
Alaafin Adeyemi I signed a treaty with the British Crown in 1888, formally recognizing the Alaafin as the head of Yorubaland.
