Alaafin Orders Ooni To Revoke Okanlomo Title With Ultimatum

Alaafin of Oyo has demanded the Ooni of Ife revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title immediately

A brewing crisis appears to be unfolding between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as the Alaafin on Monday demanded the immediate revocation of the newly conferred Okanlomo of Yoruba land title, bestowed on Ibadan-based business mogul Chief Dotun Sanusi.

In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade described the Ooni’s action as a “direct affront” to his authority as the paramount ruler and superior head of Yoruba land.

He insisted the title must be withdrawn within 48 hours or the Ooni should be prepared to face the consequences.

“The conferment of any chieftaincy title covering the entirety of Yoruba land remains the exclusive right of the Alaafin, as affirmed by the Supreme Court. By bestowing such a title, the Ooni has acted beyond his jurisdiction, disregarding the apex court ruling and undermining the revered institution of the Alaafin,” the statement read.

Oba Owoade further argued that the instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi at his installation limits his traditional authority to Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South local government areas. He accused the Ooni of consistently acting “above the law” and taking steps that undermine unity in Yoruba land.

Recalling his recent unity tour to Yoruba monarchs, the Alaafin emphasised that peace and unity are essential to meaningful development. “Our forefathers desired unity and worked hard to preserve it. We must do the same. No development can be achieved without peace and unity,” he stressed.

Oba Owoade added that his peace initiatives should not be misconstrued as weakness, warning that the Ooni’s actions were “ultra vires and derogatory” to the institution of the Alaafin as the titan of Yoruba land.