A fresh rift is emerging between two foremost Yoruba monarchs as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has demanded the withdrawal of a chieftaincy title recently conferred by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
In a statement on Monday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s conferment of the title of Okanlomo of Yoruba Land on Ibadan businessman, Chief Dotun Sanusi, as a “direct affront” to his authority.
Oba Owoade maintained that only the Alaafin holds the authority to bestow titles covering the entire Yoruba nation, citing a Supreme Court ruling to that effect. He said the title must be revoked within 48 hours or the Ooni should be prepared to face the consequences.
“The conferment of any chieftaincy title covering the entirety of Yoruba land remains the exclusive right of the Alaafin,” the statement read. “By bestowing such a title, the Ooni has acted beyond his jurisdiction, disregarded the apex court ruling, and undermined the revered institution of the Alaafin.”
The Alaafin further argued that the Ooni’s instrument of office restricts his authority to Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South local government areas, accusing him of repeatedly overstepping traditional boundaries and undermining unity in Yorubaland.
Reiterating his recent peace tour to Yoruba monarchs, Oba Owoade stressed the importance of unity for development, warning that his peace efforts should not be mistaken for weakness. He described the Ooni’s action as “ultra vires and derogatory” to the institution of the Alaafin.
