A fresh controversy has erupted between two foremost Yoruba monarchs as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has strongly criticised the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, over the conferment of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
The title was bestowed during the weekend at the launch of 2geda, a local social media and business networking platform, held at Ilaji Hotel in Ibadan. The Ooni described Sanusi as a key figure in promoting Yoruba culture and economic progress.
However, in a strongly worded statement on Monday through his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin condemned the move, arguing that only the Alaafin holds the authority to confer titles with jurisdiction over the entire Yorubaland.
He demanded the title be revoked within 48 hours, warning of “consequences” if ignored.
“The Ooni is behaving as if no authority can call him to order,” the statement read. “The Supreme Court has ruled that only the Alaafin can confer chieftaincy titles that cover the entire Yorubaland.”
Oba Owoade also cited the limits of the Ooni’s traditional authority, saying it is confined to the former Oranmiyan Local Government area, now split into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.
He emphasized that the move could undermine ongoing efforts to foster unity across the Yoruba nation.
“We must always prioritise peace and unity in Yorubaland,” he added. “Development cannot occur without them. The Ooni seems to mistake our peaceful disposition for weakness.”
Attempts to contact the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting, as calls and messages went unanswered.
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