Alaafin gives Ooni 48-Hour ultimatum to revoke Chieftaincy title

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has given the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, 48 hours to revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title recently conferred on Ibadan business mogul, Engineer Dotun Sanusi

In a statement issued on Monday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as an “affront” and a direct challenge to the authority of the Alaafin, whom he insists is the only monarch empowered to bestow titles that cover the entire Yorubaland.

“The conferment of a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title by the Ooni is not only ultra vires but an insult to the Titan of Yorubaland. The Supreme Court itself has ruled that only the Alaafin has such authority. Yet, the Ooni continues to act above the law, trampling on both tradition and the courts,” the statement read.

The Alaafin argued that the instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi during his coronation limits his authority to Oranmiyan Local Government—now Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South—and does not permit him to confer a title with Yoruba-wide significance.

Warning that “consequences will follow” if the title is not withdrawn within 48 hours, Oba Owoade said the dignity of Yoruba traditional institutions is being tested.

Recounting his unity tours across Yoruba kingdoms, the Alaafin emphasized that peace and development can only thrive when hierarchy and tradition are respected.

“Our forefathers sacrificed for unity, and we must preserve it. But the Ooni of Ife is mistaking the Alaafin’s peace initiative for weakness, hence these provocative actions,” he declared.

Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates