A fresh traditional row has erupted in Yorubaland as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the immediate reversal of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland recently conferred on businessman Dotun Sanusi.

 

In a statement signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as a serious affront to his authority, warning that only the Alaafin of Oyo holds the exclusive right to confer titles that cover the entire Yorubaland.

 

“The Ooni’s action is not only a violation of Yoruba traditional protocol but also a breach of a Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the Alaafin’s preeminent position on such matters,” the statement read.

 

According to the Alaafin, the Ooni’s instrument of office legally restricts his authority to the Ife area, which includes Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South Local Government Areas. Conferring a title that claims authority over the whole of Yorubaland, the statement said, amounts to territorial overreach and derogation of the Alaafin’s role as the “Titan of Yorubaland.”

 

The Alaafin demanded that the title be revoked within 48 hours, warning of unspecified consequences if the directive is ignored. He also stressed that his peaceful disposition in inter-traditional relations should not be mistaken for weakness.

 

“The Ooni’s action is unlawful and sets a dangerous precedent capable of disrupting the longstanding hierarchy and harmony in the Yoruba traditional institution,” the statement added.

 

As of press time, there has been no official response from the Ooni of Ife or his palace regarding the demand. However, the escalating tension between two of Yorubaland’s most revered monarchs is likely to spark wider debate over traditional authority, historical precedence, and the modern limits of royal influence in Nigeria.