A major dispute has erupted between two of Nigeria’s most prominent monarchs, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The Alaafin has issued a public warning to the Ooni, demanding the immediate revocation of a chieftaincy title conferred on a business tycoon, stating the Ooni acted “ultra vires” and in defiance of a Supreme Court ruling.
The controversy began with the Ooni’s conferment of the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” chieftaincy title on Dotun Sanusi. According to a press release by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity for the Alaafin, this action is not only an “affront” but also violates the Alaafin’s exclusive right to confer titles that encompass the entire Yorubaland.
The Alaafin’s office asserts that his authority as the “Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland” grants him the sole right to bestow pan-Yoruba titles. The statement claims a Supreme Court ruling has already affirmed this exclusive preserve.
“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check and call him to order,” the statement reads. “The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi, during his installation, specifically limits his traditional area of authority to Oranmiyan Local Government.”
The Alaafin’s press office claims the Ooni’s actions test the legal principle that “nobody is above the law.” It demands the revocation of the “Okanlomo” title within 48 hours, warning of unspecified consequences if the demand is not met.
The Alaafin’s statement also contrasts the Ooni’s actions with a recent unity tour he undertook among Yoruba monarchs, where he advocated for peace and cooperation. “It is the joy of our forefathers for us to be in unity… we must also strive to achieve this,” the Alaafin was quoted as saying during the tour.
The statement suggests that the Ooni has misunderstood the Alaafin’s “peace initiative” and is taking “derogatory” actions. The brewing conflict highlights the complex power dynamics and historical claims of authority among traditional rulers in the Yoruba nation, with the outcome of this latest confrontation yet to be determined.
