Alaafin of Oyo slams Ooni of Ife over chieftaincy title row

Alaafin of Oyo slams Ooni of Ife, demands revocation of Dotun Sanusi’s Yorubaland title within 48 hours, citing Supreme Court ruling

Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade has strongly criticized the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the conferment of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi.

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In a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as a direct affront to his authority, stressing that only the Alaafin holds the exclusive right to bestow titles extending across Yorubaland. He cited a Supreme Court ruling affirming this exclusive power.

The monarch accused the Ooni of repeatedly overstepping his jurisdiction, which, according to the Alaafin, is confined to the former Oranmiyan Local Government — now split into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.

Calling the move unlawful and derogatory, the Alaafin demanded the immediate revocation of the title within 48 hours, warning that failure to comply would “attract consequences.”

Oba Owoade emphasized that his peace-building efforts across Yorubaland should not be mistaken for weakness.

“The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test,” he declared, insisting that the Ooni’s decision undermines the unity and harmony desired by the forefathers of the Yoruba people.

As of press time, attempts to obtain the Ooni’s response were unsuccessful, with his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, declining to answer calls or messages.

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The Alaafin of Oyo reiterated that unity remains essential for the region’s sustainable development, warning that unchecked power struggles could erode traditional authority and destabilize Yoruba leadership.