The ancient thrones of Yorubaland are still rattling. It’s a clash of power between the two royal giants—Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife.
Alaafin Abimbola Owoade had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the withdrawal of a chieftaincy title.
The title in question—Oluomo of Yorubaland—was reportedly conferred on Ibadan businessman, Chief Dotun Sanusi. The Alaafin claims he is the only one who can give a title that covers the entire Yorubaland.
Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, didn’t mince words. He called the ultimatum “an empty threat from a dead empire.”
He said the Ooni was focused on youth empowerment, not royal rivalry.
“The Ooni is busy setting up businesses and creating jobs for youths across Yorubaland. They are busy fighting supremacy that does not exist. Dead empire.”
He mocked the ultimatum, saying: “Their 48-hour ultimatum will soon lapse. We are waiting. Dead Empire.”
Olafare also mentioned the upcoming Ojaja Smart City in Ibadan, calling it “the biggest in Africa.”
“Someone is somewhere busy issuing 48 hours empty threats,” he added.
Oore of Moba Clears the Air
Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti, also stepped into the fray.
He denied that the Ooni ever conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on anyone.
In a statement by his press secretary, Akogun Banjo Ayinde, he said: “The Ooni has never conceived it, talk less of installing anybody as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.”
He challenged anyone with proof to present it publicly.
“We therefore challenge anyone with verifiable evidence that Ooni has traditionally or culturally installed such a title on anyone to present it to the public.”
He also defended the Ooni’s authority, saying: “As the Natural Father of the Yoruba race and spiritual head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni wields unequivocal authority to bestow titles of territorial relevance if and when necessary.”
The Alaafin insists his legitimate power to confer titles that span Yorubaland sprang from a Supreme Court ruling.
But the Ooni’s camp says the title that rattled the Alaafin doesn’t even exist.
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