By Ayodele Oni
Anger is gradually rising to high heavens in Yorubaland over the 48-hour ultimatum given to the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, by the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade to revoke the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo bestowed on Jubril Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni.
The Ooni had, last week, installed Sanusi as Okanlomo of Yoruba land. But it is an installation which the Alaafin has viewed as illegal and a usurpation of his power.
The Alaafin, therefore, demanded, from the Ooni, a revocation of the title so conferred on Sanusi.
In a strongly-worded statement, he gave the Ooni, a 48-hour ultimatum to revoke the title. He, however, did not say what would happen if the Ooni ignores his ultimatum.
He wrote:
“The attention of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has been drawn to the purported conferm
ent of chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a business tycoon, Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
“The conferment of chieftaincy title which borders on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the referred institution of the Alaafin, who is the Titan of Yorubaland, and on whom holds exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title which covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.
“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check and call him to order and because of that ‘above the law’ syndrome of his, he is in the habit of walking on everybody’s’ back including the apex court in the country, the Supreme Court, which had ruled on the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer chieftaincy title that covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.
“The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi, during his installation, specifically limits his traditional area of authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, which has now been split into three Local Governments, viz: Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South.
”The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test and the reality of our time makes it very obligatory for the Alaafin to call the Ooni of Ife to order and demand revocation of the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on Engineer Dotun Sanusi within 48 HOURS or face the consequences.”
But outrage has greeted the Alaafin’s public ultimatum to the Ooni. Not a few people find it embarrassing and an utter disrespect to the throne that the Ooni occupies.
“Alaafin, Your Authority Does Not Go Beyond Oyo” Oba Akinyele
In an angry reaction to the Alaafin’s 48 hours ultmatum to the Ooni, the Olukosi of Iiukosi-Ijesa, HRM, Oba Omotooyosi Bayo Akinleye, told the Alaafin that his powers do not go beyond Oyo. He made a case for why the Ooni of Ife was right to confer the chieftaincy title on Jubril no matter what the Alaafin thinks or feels.
In a post on X, Oba Akinyele said: ‘‘Alaafin authority ends on Oyo land. Owa Obokun authority ends on Ijesa land. Awujale authority ends on Ijebu land. Alake authority ends on Egba land.
“No child is older than who fathered them, we are all children of Oodua, and Ooni is sitting on our father’s Throne.”
A prominent Mogaji in Ibadanland, Abass Oloko describing the opposition of Alaafin to the conferment as absurd and a clear demonstration of misunderstanding regarding Yoruba traditional authority.
Oba Owoade had demanded the revocation of Sanusi’s chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
In a statement, the Ibadan Mogaji asserted that the Alaafin is ill-informed about the historical hierarchy within Yoruba traditions, where the Ooni of Ife holds a superior position over the Alaafin.
He maintained that the ultimatum issued by the Oyo monarch, not only lacked merit, but also revealed a troubling disregard by Alaafin for established customs that have governed the Yoruba people for centuries.
According to him, the title conferred on Sanusi had received the full backing of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, five years ago, reinforcing its legitimacy and the respect it commands within Yorubaland.
He affirmed that Alaafin’s attempt to challenge this title is not only unwarranted, but also deeply disrespectful to the traditions that underpin Yoruba leadership.
Oloko passionately highlighted the invaluable contributions of the Ooni of Ife, a paragon of tradition and progress, whose leadership has been a transformative force for the Southwest.
They stated,
“The Ooni is not just a traditional ruler; he is a visionary architect of unity and development. His initiatives have fostered economic revitalisation, cultural renaissance, and social harmony across the region.
“The Ooni’s influence extends beyond borders, positioning the Yoruba nation as a formidable force in Nigeria and on the global stage.”
He contrasted this with the current Alaafin, questioning the tangible value that Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade has added to Oyo town and Oyo State since his enthronement.
“While the Ooni leads with purpose and direction, we must ask: what legacy is being built in Oyo?” they remarked.
Oloko expressed that traditional rulers should remain focused on issues within their domains and not interfere in matters beyond their invitation.
He stated, “We urge Oba Abimbola Owoade to do his worst if the ultimatum he issued elapses. Inferiority is a major problem for any monarch who dabbles into issues that are beyond his domain.”
He reiterated the need for unity and respect among Yoruba monarchs, emphasising that the Alaafin should embrace his role as a leader and diplomat rather than engage in petty disputes that threaten the unity of their heritage.
“We implore all leaders to avoid unnecessary conflicts and instead channel their energies into fostering harmony and cooperation among our people.”
Abass Oloko further praised Jubril Dotun Sanusi for his integrity, character, and significant contributions to the Yoruba community, highlighting his dedication to growth and development.
“Chief Dotun Sanusi is a man of vision, committed to fostering unity and progress among our people.
“His unwavering commitment to the advancement of Yorubaland deserves not only recognition but also admiration
“Sanusi’s leadership has been instrumental in various developmental initiatives,” and the group underscored that his title is a testament to his service and dedication.”
Ooni Ignores Alaafin, Says he deserves no response
But the Ooni seems too busy to respond to Alaafin’s ultimatum. He is focused on more serious issues than what the Alaafin says. His Spokesperson, Otunba Moses Olafare, dismissed the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin over the title issue.
In a Facebook reaction on Monday, his Spokesperson, Otunba Moses olafere, dismissed Alaafin’s 48 hours ultimatum.”48 hours my foot!”
He disclosed that the Ooni asked him not to dignify “an empty threat with a formal press release.”
His words: “My Principal has directed me against issuing a press release on the empty threat of the Alawada Babasala.
“I beg to disappoint you gentlemen of the press; we cannot dignify the undignifyable with an official response.
“We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion, as it is already being treated. Let us rather focus on narratives that unite us, rather than the ones capable of dividing us. 48 hours ultimatum my foot.”
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