The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has issued a stern 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, calling for the immediate revocation of a controversial chieftaincy title. The title in question is the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland,” conferred on prominent businessman Dotun Sanusi, also known as Ilaji. This ultimatum has reignited a longstanding rivalry and unsettled relations between two of Yorubaland’s most influential traditional rulers.

According to a statement signed by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin condemned the Ooni’s conferment of the chieftaincy title, describing it as an unlawful affront to his authority. He emphasized that under a Supreme Court ruling, the Alaafin holds exclusive prerogative to bestow any chieftaincy title that carries jurisdiction over the entire Yorubaland region.

“The conferment of chieftaincy title which borders on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the institution of the Alaafin, who is the Titan of Yorubaland and holds the exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title which covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone,” the statement read. It further accused the Ooni of exceeding his traditional jurisdiction, limited only to the Ife area, which includes Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South local governments.

The Alaafin warned that failure to rescind the title within 48 hours would provoke “grave consequences,” cautioning that his measured tone should not be perceived as weakness. The dispute underscores the tension in the hierarchy and jurisdictional boundary within Yoruba traditional rulership.

In response, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, dismissed the ultimatum as an “empty threat,” refusing to engage in direct communication on the matter. Olafare stated, “We cannot dignify the undignifiable with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion.” This defense reflects the ongoing power dynamics and the unsettled domain between the two monarchs.

Historically, the Alaafin of Oyo is widely regarded as the paramount traditional ruler of Yorubaland, a status backed by legal and cultural precedents, while the Ooni wields considerable influence within the Ife region, a cultural and spiritual heartland for the Yoruba people. The rivalry over titles and supremacy occasionally flares, reflecting broader questions about traditional authority and cultural leadership in contemporary Nigeria.

Political and traditional affairs expert, Dr. Adebayo Ajani, observes, “This conflict highlights the complex nature of Yoruba traditional institutions, where legal rulings, cultural pride, and historical influence intersect. The challenge lies in harmonizing respect for local authority with unity for the Yorubaland people.”

The immediate fallout from this ultimatum creates uncertainty for chieftaincy titleholders and calls into question the coherence of Yoruba custodianship traditions. The Okanlomo titleholder, Dotun Sanusi, is caught amidst this royal conflict, which some analysts fear could deepen divides within Yoruba communities.

In summary, the Alaafin’s 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni over the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” chieftaincy title encapsulates ongoing power struggles within Nigeria’s traditional leadership. The next steps will likely involve mediation efforts and legal clarifications to prevent further discord. Watching how these cultural leaders manage this dispute will be crucial for stability and unity in Yorubaland going forward.