The Olojudo of Ido-Osun Alayemore, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Ishola Jokotola has declared that Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi remains the leader of traditional rulers in the entire Yoruba land.
Oba Jokotola made this declaration on Sunday at the 2026 Osun Olojudo Festival held in Ido-Osun.
Reacting to reported split among traditional rulers, Oba Jokotola dismissed the report, stating that the traditional institution remains one and fully united under the leadership of Ooni of Ife.
The monarch attribute the reports to handwork of social media users who are benefitting
“I don’t believe there is any crisis among traditional rulers. We all recognise the Ooni of Ife as our traditional leader across Yorubaland. Most of the stories about division are created by social media users who are trying to set a different agenda and create unnecessary narratives,” he stated.
“Historically, cultural and traditionally, Ooni is the Supreme leader of Yoruba traditional institution. He’s the number one custodian of cultural and traditions in Yoruba land. Any other narration is just a fallacy that can’t stand anytime.”
InsightMedia recalled that a new traditional council was recently formed by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi and it has been generating reactions from quarters.
Some traditional rulers have dissociated themselves from the move to split the traditional council in Osun State.
Reacting further, Oba Jokotola said only recognised council of Obas is Osun State Council and nothing like senatorial councils.
“My kingdom is in Osun west, I can tell you that there’s nothing like Osun west traditional council. Yes, there exist regional groups which are only for administrative purposes and not a council. So, for emphasis, there’s no other council except the one being by our revered father Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council and the Co Chairman of Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council Ogunwusi,” the Olojudo declared.