The Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, has challenged the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over his decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman, Dotun Sanusi.
Bode Durojaiye, Alaafin’s Directpr of Media and Publicity, who issued a statement on Monday, described Ooni’s action as a direct challenge to his exclusive right to confer titles that span the entire Yorubaland.
The Punch reports that Owoade insisted the Ooni’s authority is limited to the Oranmiyan Local Government Area, which has since been divided into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.
The Alaafin demanded the revocation of the title conferred on Sanusi within 48 hours, warning that there would be consequences if his directive is not heeded.
Recalling his recent tour across Yorubaland, Owoade noted that peace and unity remain essential for sustainable development in the region.
“The conferment of chieftaincy title, which bothers on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife, is not only an affront to the revered institution of the Alaafin, who is the Titan of Yorubaland and on whom holds the exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title which covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone,” the statement reads.
“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check and call him to order and because of that ‘above the law’ syndrome of his, he is in the habit of walking on everybody’s’ back including the apex court in the country, the Supreme Court, which had ruled on the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer chieftaincy title that covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.
“The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi, during his installation, specifically limits his traditional area of authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, which has now been split into three Local Governments, viz: Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South.
“The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test and the reality of our time makes it very obligatory for the Alaafin to call the Ooni of Ife to order and demand revocation of the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on Sanusi within 48 hours or face the consequences.”
Owoade was crowned Alaafin on April 5, 2025, becoming the 46th monarch of the town.
