Alaafin and Ooni feud raises fears of Yoruba division as traditional leaders warn of a spell and call for rituals, dialogue, and unity among monarchs
The Alaafin and Ooni feud has once again stirred tension in Yorubaland, with traditional religion leaders warning that the two frontline monarchs may be under a spell fueling their repeated clashes.
Also read: Yoruba Council Worldwide urges peace in Alaafin–Ooni rift
The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association, Osun State, led by Oluseyi Atanda, expressed concern over the renewed hostility between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi. Atanda said only rituals could restore peace and prevent the crisis from spreading among other Yoruba monarchs.
“This could be a spell from those who don’t want the Yoruba race to unite. If not resolved, it may escalate into a bigger crisis,” Atanda warned.
The feud resurfaced after Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi in Ibadan, an act the Alaafin rejected.
Oba Owoade, through his media aide Bode Durojaiye, issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the title’s revocation. But Ooni’s camp dismissed the warning, saying the matter was left “in the court of public opinion.”
Popular Ifa priest and poet, Ifayemi Elebuibon, described the supremacy battle as needless and embarrassing. “The two monarchs represent Yoruba across the world.
They should focus on development, not rivalry,” he said, adding that sacrifices had been offered for peace.
Despite the heated exchanges, palace sources revealed that Yoruba elders have stepped in to reconcile both rulers.
Insiders confirmed that the Alaafin would not pursue fresh legal action, relying instead on an existing Supreme Court judgment concerning his authority over Yoruba-wide titles.
Meanwhile, aides in both palaces have been cautioned against inflaming tensions, with mediators urging calm.
Also read: Alaafin of Oyo slams Ooni of Ife over chieftaincy title row
Still, thAlaafin and Ooni feud remains unresolved, raising concerns about unity and leadership in Yorubaland.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
