Tensions Rise as Yoruba Elders Intervene in Escalating Alaafin-Ooni Feud

Yoruba traditional and political elders have begun urgent intervention efforts to defuse the intensifying dispute between two of the most prominent monarchs in Yorubaland — the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

The rift reignited on Monday after the Alaafin publicly criticized the Ooni’s decision to confer the pan-Yoruba chieftaincy title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Chief Dotun Sanusi. The title was bestowed during the unveiling of an indigenous social media platform, 2geda, at Ilaji Hotel in Ibadan over the weekend.

In a strongly worded statement through his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin accused the Ooni of overstepping his bounds and issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the revocation of the title, warning of consequences if ignored.

However, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, dismissed the threat, stating, “We cannot dignify the ‘undignifyable’ with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion. 48 hours my foot!”

This latest exchange adds to a series of public clashes between the two royal fathers. In May, a video circulated showing the Alaafin seated while other monarchs stood to greet the Ooni at an event hosted by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. Another video in June showed both monarchs avoiding each other at the West African Economic Summit in Abuja.

Though both palaces previously denied a rift, concerns are growing about the damaging impact of the continued hostilities on Yoruba unity.

Elders Call for Restraint

Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, said Tuesday that efforts were underway to bring both monarchs to the table.

“This is an issue between two fathers. I’ve been calling Yoruba leaders to intervene. We don’t want the unity of Yorubaland tampered with now,” Adams said.

He emphasized his personal closeness to both palaces, calling for an amicable resolution: “Anything that happens between your two fathers, you must find a way to resolve it. We don’t want to open our old wounds in public.”

Adams also said political figures must play their part, noting that the situation, though long-standing, can be resolved “in no distant time.”

Yoruba Council of Elders, Ifa Scholar Weigh In

The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) described the dispute as “unfortunate,” urging both monarchs to uphold the Omoluabi ethos — a core Yoruba principle emphasizing respect, humility, and integrity.

YCE Secretary-General, Oladipo Oyewole, called for immediate intervention from the Osun and Oyo State governments to avoid further escalation:

“The government of both states ought to swiftly come to the aid of our motherland… This is an urgent situation.”

Similarly, renowned Ifa scholar and Awise Agbaye, Prof. Wande Abimbola, urged caution and reconciliation. Speaking with The PUNCH, he said:

“I won’t assign blame in the media — elders don’t do that. There’s no need for conflict… It is often third parties who benefit from these misunderstandings.”

Abimbola revealed plans to convene a summit of Yoruba obas and elders from all six Yoruba-speaking states and Kwara. “We’ll deliberate and resolve the matter,” he said. “Our obas are fathers to us all; they must not be seen quarrelling.”

Backlash from Ibadan and Legal Clarifications

The Ibadan Mogajis and the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative condemned the Alaafin’s ultimatum, calling it “irrational and divisive.” The groups warned against any attempt to diminish the stature of Dotun Sanusi, a prominent Ibadan chief and philanthropist.

“The kind of Alaafin we have now may end up being an embarrassment to Yorubaland,” they said, accusing him of disrespecting both Sanusi and the Ooni during a recent visit to Ibadan.

Backing the Ooni, the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group Afenifere also weighed in, asserting that the Alaafin’s claim of exclusive authority over pan-Yoruba titles lacks historical or legal basis.

Afenifere’s Organising Secretary, Abagun Omololu, traced the confusion back to colonial restructuring, stating:

“It is historically evident that the Alaafin’s power was largely confined to Oyo Province, while the Ooni’s supremacy transcended boundaries, rooted in ancestral and cultural legitimacy. All Yoruba lineages trace their origin to Ile-Ife.”

Legal Opinions Undermine Alaafin’s Claim

Legal practitioner Pelumi Olajengbesi also challenged the Alaafin’s claim, stating:

“No Supreme Court judgment or constitutional instrument vests exclusive pan-Yoruba jurisdiction in the Alaafin.”

He maintained that the Ooni acted within his lawful, historical, and cultural rights in conferring the Okanlomo title, emphasizing:

“While empires rise and fall, the foundation of Yoruba identity — the Ile-Ife and the Ooni — remains timeless, indivisible, and unimpeachable.”

Monarchs Stay Silent

Despite ongoing public discourse, several other Yoruba monarchs contacted by The PUNCH declined to comment on the matter, possibly awaiting a consensus from the elders and cultural leaders.

What’s Next?

As tensions mount, all eyes are now on Yoruba leaders to broker peace and prevent further erosion of cultural unity. With behind-the-scenes talks already underway and public appeals for calm from respected figures, the hope remains that reason — and tradition — will prevail.