The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has issued a stern warning to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the immediate revocation of the newly conferred chieftaincy title, Okanlomo of Yorubaland, bestowed on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
In a statement released by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the conferment as an affront to the revered Oyo throne, which he insists holds the exclusive right to bestow any title covering the entire Yorubaland.
“The Ooni of Ife is acting as though no authority can check him, even disregarding the ruling of the Supreme Court, which affirmed the Alaafin’s exclusive preserve in this matter,” the statement read.
The Alaafin emphasized that the Ooni’s traditional authority is limited to Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South local governments, as specified in his instrument of office.
Calling the Ooni’s action “ultra vires and derogatory,” Oba Owoade demanded that the title be revoked within 48 hours, warning that failure to comply would attract unspecified consequences.
The Alaafin, who has long championed unity and peace across Yorubaland, reiterated that sustainable development cannot be achieved without cohesion among Yoruba monarchs.
