Alaafin Orders Ooni to Revoke Chieftaincy Title Within 48 hour!

In an escalating dispute between two of Yorubaland’s most prominent monarchs, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has delivered a stern 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The order demands the immediate revocation of the recently conferred chieftaincy title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” bestowed on Ibadan business mogul Engineer Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni.

Alaafin: Exclusive Right Challenged

The Alaafin’s statement, signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, describes the Ooni’s decision as “an affront” to the revered Alaafin institution, stressing that only the Alaafin holds the exclusive right to confer chieftaincy titles that cover the entirety of Yorubaland. He cited a Supreme Court ruling affirming this unique preserve, warning that the Ooni’s actions were both unlawful and a threat to traditional unity.

Oba Owoade reminded the public that the instrument of office for the Ooni, as presented at his installation, limits his traditional authority strictly to the former Oranmiyan Local Government (now split into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South). The Alaafin asserts the Ooni has repeatedly “acted beyond his jurisdiction,” claiming titles extending to all Yorubaland are outside the Ooni’s remit.

During his recent unity tour of Yoruba monarchs, the Alaafin underscored the critical need for peace among traditional rulers, warning that sustainable development can only be achieved through unity. He cautioned that his calls for peace should not be misinterpreted as weakness or passivity, making it clear that the Ooni’s actions were “ultra vires” and derogatory to the Alaafin as Titan of Yorubaland.

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The Alaafin’s directive explicitly demands the reversal of the Okanlomo title within the next 48 hours, or the Ooni will “face consequences.” He stressed that the rule of law must prevail over personal interests and turf battles among royal houses. The dispute has prompted calls for restraint, with several traditional leaders urging constructive dialogue rather than confrontation.

Engineer Dotun Sanusi, the recipient of the title, is a well-known Ibadan businessman and the Bada Olubadan Designate. The Ooni publicly confirmed him as Okanlomo of Yorubaland on August 17, an act that immediately sparked controversy across Yoruba social circles.

With the deadline looming and both monarchs steadfast in their claims, the controversy threatens to further strain intra-Yoruba relations. Analysts and elders have called for urgent mediation to prevent deepening rifts within traditional leadership and ensure the unity prized by forefathers is maintained.