By Amofokhai Williams
A royal storm is brewing in Yorubaland as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has issued a fiery 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
The Alarmee reports that in a scathing statement released Monday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin branded the Ooni’s action an “affront to the revered institution of the Alaafin,” accusing him of overstepping his authority and defying a Supreme Court ruling.
“The conferment of chieftaincy title which bothers on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the Alaafin who is the Titan of Yorubaland and on who hold Exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title which covers the entire Yorubaland,” Durojaiye declared, citing the Alaafin’s sole prerogative, affirmed by the apex court, to bestow such titles.
He lambasted the Ooni for behaving “as if there is no Authority to check and call him to order,” accusing him of an “above the law” syndrome that disrespects even the Supreme Court.
The Alaafin’s statement clarified that the Ooni’s traditional authority, as defined by his installation instrument, is confined to Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South local governments.
“The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test,” Durojaiye warned, demanding the immediate revocation of Sanusi’s title or “face the consequences.”
The ultimatum, set to expire Wednesday, has ignited tensions, with social media buzzing over the clash.
“Ooni is crossing boundaries; he lacks the power to bestow any chieftaincy title related to ‘Yoruba-land,’” posted @adedayo_viktor on X, echoing the Alaafin’s stance.
The dispute casts a shadow over Oba Owoade’s recent unity tour, where he championed peace among Yoruba monarchs.
“It is the joy of our forefathers for us to be in unity, no meaningful and sustainable development will come without peace and unity,” he told monarchs, a message now juxtaposed against the Ooni’s actions, which the Alaafin’s camp calls “ultra vires” and “derogatory to the Titan of Yorubaland.”
