The longstanding rivalry between two of Yorubaland’s foremost monarchs, Oba Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo and Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has resurfaced, sparking renewed concern among cultural custodians, traditional leaders and legal experts who are now calling for peace and mediation.
The rivalry ignited on Monday, when the Ooni of Ife conferred the prestigious title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Dotun Sanusi during the launch of 2geda, an indigenous social-networking platform held in Ibadan. This act was met with swift opposition from the Alaafin’s camp. Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin’s media aide, declared that “only the Alaafin possesses the traditional authority to confer titles covering the entire Yorubaland,” and issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the revocation of the title.
However, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, dismissed the ultimatum, stating: “We cannot dignify the ‘undignifyable’ with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion. Let’s rather focus on narratives that unite us rather than those capable of dividing us. No press release, please. Forty-eight hours my foot!”
In the wake of the escalating tension, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, intervened, urging calm and emphasising the fatherly roles both monarchs play for the Yoruba people. He disclosed ongoing efforts to mediate behind the scenes with the help of other Yoruba leaders to prevent the reopening of old wounds: “It is an issue between two fathers… We don’t want the unity of Yorubaland to be tampered with now.”
Echoing this, the Yoruba Council of Elders called on the governments of Oyo and Osun states to intervene and uphold the revered Omoluabi ethos—the Yoruba values of dignity, respect, and restraint—warning that the dispute threatens to undermine Yoruba cultural integrity. Noted Ifa scholar, Prof. Wande Abimbola, revealed plans to convene a summit involving traditional rulers from all six Yoruba-speaking states plus Kwara State. He stressed the importance of elders resolving such matters discreetly: “Elders don’t assign blame in the media… We will collectively deliberate and ensure the participation of all stakeholders to reach an amicable resolution.”
From Ibadan, the ancient city within Oyo Province, community leaders expressed strong criticism of the Alaafin’s ultimatum. Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and Nurudeen Akinade, coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, described the Alaafin’s actions as “irrational and divisive,” warning that it risks damaging the pride and unity of the Ibadan people.
“The kind of Alaafin we have now may end up being an embarrassment to Yorubaland. He has started provoking Ibadan people by targeting a foremost Olubadan chief, philanthropist, and respected personality, Dotun Sanusi. Ibadan will resist any attack on its pride,” they said.
They also accused the Alaafin of showing disrespect to the Ooni during a recent visit to Ibadan, calling such conduct “unbecoming of a custodian of Yoruba culture.”
Adding depth to the debate, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, through its Organising Secretary, Abagun Omololu, provided historical context explaining the traditional roles and influence of the two monarchs. “During the colonial period, the British deliberately divided Yorubaland into provinces—Oyo, Ondo, Ijebu, Abeokuta, and Lagos Colony. The Alaafin’s authority was largely confined to Oyo Province, while the Ooni’s spiritual supremacy transcended provincial boundaries,” Omololu explained.
Legal expert Pelumi Olajengbesi clarified that neither law nor any Supreme Court ruling grants exclusive pan-Yoruba chieftaincy powers to the Alaafin. He described the Ooni’s conferment of the title on Chief Sanusi as both lawful and culturally valid, advising the Alaafin to seek proper counsel rather than issuing ultimatums. “Every student of Yoruba history knows that Ile-Ife is the cradle of the Yoruba people, the primordial seat of legitimacy from which all Yoruba kingdoms derive authority. The Ooni’s actions fall well within his traditional and legal prerogatives,” he said.
This latest public confrontation follows subtle tensions between the two monarchs. Social media has previously circulated footage showing the Alaafin refusing to rise to greet the Ooni at public events, as well as cold and tense interactions during cultural festivals and state occasions. These incidents have raised concerns about a widening rift that threatens to divide Yorubaland at a time when unity is crucial.
