Alaafin vs Ooni clash deepens as Alaafin demands revocation of a chieftaincy title conferred by Ooni, citing Supreme Court ruling and tradition

Alaafin vs Ooni has become the latest flashpoint in Yoruba traditional leadership after the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, openly challenged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over a controversial chieftaincy title.

Also read: Alaafin of Oyo denounces false supremacy battle claims in online publication

In a strongly worded statement by his media director, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin condemned the Ooni’s conferment of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title on businessman Dotun Sanusi, calling it unlawful and derogatory.

The Alaafin maintained that only his throne holds the exclusive right to grant titles extending across Yorubaland. He cited a Supreme Court ruling affirming this authority and accused the Ooni of repeatedly overstepping his bounds.

According to the Alaafin, the Ooni’s traditional jurisdiction is limited to the former Oranmiyan Local Government, now split into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.

He issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding revocation of the title or unspecified consequences, warning that his peace initiatives should not be mistaken for weakness.

The monarch recalled his unity tour across Yorubaland, emphasizing that peace remains the bedrock for meaningful development and must not be undermined by unlawful acts.

Efforts to reach the Ooni of Ife’s palace for comments proved abortive, as his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, did not respond to calls or text messages at the time of filing this report.

Also read: Ooni Palace Blasts Edited Video Of Alaafin Encounter At Abuja Summit

This escalating dispute between two of Yorubaland’s most influential traditional rulers raises new questions about authority, tradition, and the future of unity in the region.