BREAKING: Alaafin issues stern warning to Ooni of Ife over traditional title

The Alaafin of Oyo and Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has expressed strong objection to the reported conferment of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on business mogul Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The Alaafin has subsequently given the Ooni a 48-hour ultimatum to revoke the title.

Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, in a statement described the move as a direct affront to the Alaafin’s authority, stressing that the power to confer titles covering all of Yorubaland lies exclusively with the Alaafin.

“The Ooni’s traditional authority is confined to the former Oranmiyan Local Government, now divided into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South. Any attempt to confer a nationwide title exceeds his jurisdiction,” the statement noted.

It added: “The principle that no one is above the law is being challenged. The Alaafin expects the revocation of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title within 48 hours, failing which appropriate measures will follow.”

During a recent tour of Yoruba monarchs, the Alaafin reiterated the need for unity and peace as prerequisites for development in Yorubaland.

“Our forefathers ensured peace and unity; it is our duty to sustain this legacy. Sustainable development cannot thrive without harmony,” he said.

The Alaafin’s office suggested that the Ooni may have misinterpreted his peace initiatives as weakness, resulting in decisions deemed ultra vires and disrespectful to the Titan of Yorubaland.