August 19, (THEWILL) — The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has given the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, 48 hours to withdraw the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title recently conferred on Ibadan businessman, Engineer Dotun Sanusi.
In a statement on Monday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as an “affront” and a direct challenge to his authority, which he said is the only traditional stool empowered to confer titles covering the entire Yorubaland.
“The conferment of a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title by the Ooni is not only ultra vires but an insult to the Titan of Yorubaland.
“The Supreme Court itself has ruled that only the Alaafin has such authority. Yet, the Ooni continues to act above the law, trampling on both tradition and the courts,” the statement read.
According to him, the instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi at his installation limits his authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, now divided into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.
“He has no mandate to confer a title that covers the whole of Yorubaland. This must stop,” the monarch warned.
The Alaafin said the Yoruba traditional institution is being tested and warned that failure to revoke the title within 48 hours would attract consequences.
Recounting his unity tour across Yoruba kingdoms, Oba Owoade maintained that peace and development in Yorubaland can only be sustained through respect for hierarchy and tradition.
“Our forefathers sacrificed for unity, and we must preserve it. But the Ooni of Ife is mistaking the Alaafin’s peace initiative for weakness, hence these provocative actions,” he added
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
