The Yoruba Council Worldwide has waded into the tension between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urging the Alaafin to withdraw a 48-hour ultimatum issued to the Ooni.
The crisis between the monarchs began on Monday, after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a businessman, Chief Dotun Sanusi, in Ibadan.
The Alaafin rejected the move, claiming only his palace holds the authority to bestow pan-Yoruba titles, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum through his spokesman, and demanding the Ooni revoke the honour.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Charles Adeyemi, on Wednesday, the YCW described the feud as “a matter that demands calm, reflection and unity rather than division.”
The group, which described itself as the apex umbrella body for all Yoruba indigenous people, said it had observed the development with “deep concern”, stressing the need for immediate reconciliation.
“The Yoruba Council Worldwide, the apex umbrella body for all Yoruba indigenous people, has observed with deep concern the recent rift between two revered pillars of our heritage—the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife.
“These monarchs are not only traditional leaders but sacred custodians of Yoruba history, dignity, and culture.
“We strongly believe that moments like this demand calm, reflection, and unity rather than division.
“In this regard, we are calling on respected Yoruba elders, statesmen, and cultural custodians to mediate constructively and help bring about a lasting peace that honours the dignity of both royal stools.
“We therefore call for a truce, apology and immediate retraction of the 48-hour ultimatum issued by Bode Durojaiye, spokesman to the Alaafin of Oyo while we await the convocation of the Yoruba Obas Conference in order to allow for a peace pact in Yorubaland,” the statement partly read.
The council appealed to Yoruba citizens, particularly young people and social media commentators, to avoid inflaming tensions further with divisive remarks.
“We also appeal directly to Yoruba sons and daughters, especially the vibrant voices on social media: let us refrain from speaking ill of our monarchs. Instead, let us be advocates of peace, understanding, and reconciliation.
“Our words carry weight, and in times of tension, they should be used to build bridges, not walls.
“The Alaafin and the Ooni represent eternal symbols of Yoruba civilisation. Their strength and unity are not only crucial for cultural preservation but also for the collective dignity of the Yoruba nation before the world,” the group said.
YCW also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace, dialogue, and cultural pride among the Yoruba people, adding that they believed the matter could be resolved peacefully.