Yoruba Council Worldwide intervenes in Alaafin–Ooni rift, urging calm, reconciliation, and withdrawal of the 48-hour ultimatum to preserve unity

Yoruba Council Worldwide has stepped into the ongoing tension between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urging restraint and reconciliation.

Also read: Alaafin of Oyo slams Ooni of Ife over chieftaincy title row

The dispute arose after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Chief Dotun Sanusi in Ibadan.

The Alaafin swiftly rejected the move, insisting that only his palace has authority to bestow pan-Yoruba titles. He went further by issuing a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that the Ooni revoke the honour.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Charles Adeyemi, the Yoruba Council Worldwide described the feud as “a matter that demands calm, reflection and unity rather than division.”

“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,” the council said.

The group appealed for immediate reconciliation, calling for the withdrawal of the ultimatum and urging respected Yoruba elders and statesmen to mediate.

It also announced plans for a Yoruba Obas Conference to foster dialogue and a lasting peace pact.

YCW further appealed to Yoruba citizens, particularly young people and social media users, not to inflame tensions with divisive remarks.

“Our words carry weight, and in times of tension, they should be used to build bridges, not walls,” the statement read.

Also read: Ooni of Ife denounces misleading clip of Alaafin at economic summit

The council emphasized that both monarchs symbolize eternal pillars of Yoruba civilisation, stressing that their unity is vital for cultural preservation and the dignity of the Yoruba nation before the world.