The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has declared that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, does not possess the exclusive authority to bestow the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the Alaafin asserted that the Ooni’s action directly challenged his own authority, emphasising that the right to confer titles spanning the entirety of Yorubaland lies solely with the Alaafin.
He clarified that the Ooni’s official jurisdiction is restricted to the former Oranmiyan Local Government, now divided into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.
Oba Owoade has demanded the immediate revocation of the title within 48 hours, warning of repercussions should the Ooni fail to comply.
The monarch also referenced his recent unity tour across Yorubaland, where he stressed that peace and cohesion within the region are vital for meaningful development.
The statement read: “The attention of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Owoade I, has been drawn to the purported conferment of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi.”
“The conferment of a chieftaincy title pertaining to Yorubaland by the Ooni is an affront to the revered institution of the Alaafin, who, as the Titan of Yorubaland, holds the exclusive right to bestow any such title across the entire region.”
“The Ooni of Ife conducts himself as though no authority exists to restrain him. His disregard extends even to the Supreme Court, which has previously affirmed the Alaafin’s sole prerogative in this matter.”
“The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi during his installation clearly confines his traditional jurisdiction to the former Oranmiyan Local Government, now subdivided into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.”
“The principle that no one is above the law must now be upheld. The Alaafin therefore demands the immediate revocation of the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland title within 48 hours—failure to comply will result in consequences.”