The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has issued a stern warning to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the revocation of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title recently conferred on Ibadan-based businessman, Chief Dotun Sanusi.
In a statement released on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Bode Durojaye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as “a direct affront” to his authority and the revered traditional institution he represents.
Alaafin Challenges Ooni’s Authority
According to the Alaafin, only the throne of Oyo holds the exclusive and legally affirmed right to bestow titles that cover the entirety of Yorubaland — a position he said had been upheld by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He accused the Ooni of exceeding his jurisdiction, stressing that the conferment of such a title undermines the unity and peace of Yorubaland. The Alaafin therefore gave the Ooni a 48-hour ultimatum to revoke the title or face unspecified consequences.
Alaafin’s Statement on Unity and Tradition
The Alaafin reiterated that peace and cooperation among traditional leaders remain vital for development in Yorubaland:
“It is the joy of our forefathers for us to be in unity, and they did their part in ensuring peace and unity in Yorubaland; we must also strive to achieve this.”
He further added:
“God Himself is involved in our matter; therefore, we must always, at all times, be concerned about the peace and unity of Yorubaland. We say we want development, but no meaningful and sustainable development will come without peace and unity.”
The monarch accused the Ooni of “misconceiving the Alaafin’s peace initiative” as weakness, warning that his latest move was not only “ultra vires” but also “derogatory to the Titan of Yorubaland.”
Supreme Court Ruling on Chieftaincy Titles
The Alaafin pointed out that the instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi during his installation limits his authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, now split into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.
“The conferment of a chieftaincy title which borders on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the referred institution of the Alaafin, who holds the exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title that covers the entirety of Yorubaland on anyone,” the statement added.
He concluded by insisting that the Ooni’s actions violated both tradition and the law:
“The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test. The Alaafin therefore demands the revocation of the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on Engineer Dotun Sanusi within 48 hours or face the consequences.”
