Ooni of Ife Dismisses Alaafin of Oyo’s Ultimatum Over Chieftaincy Title

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has responded to a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, calling it an “empty threat.”

The dispute arose after the Ooni conferred the title of “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Ibadan businessman Chief Dotun Sanusi, owner of Ilaji Hotels and Resorts. The Alaafin described the act as an affront to his authority and a violation of Yoruba tradition, insisting that only the Alaafin of Oyo has the exclusive right to confer chieftaincy titles covering the entirety of Yorubaland.

In a statement on Monday, the Alaafin warned that the title must be revoked within 48 hours.

Responding via Facebook, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said his principal would not issue a formal press release, describing the ultimatum as baseless.

“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. Let’s handle this in the public court of opinion,” Olafare wrote. He added, “Let’s focus on narratives that unite us rather than those capable of dividing us. No Press Release please—48 Hours My Foot!!!”

The clash highlights a long-standing rivalry between the two prominent Yoruba monarchs over traditional supremacy and jurisdiction. Oba Abimbola Owoade became the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in January 2025, asserting renewed claims to exclusive rights over titles with a pan-Yoruba scope. The Alaafin also referenced a Supreme Court ruling and the Ooni’s instrument of office, which he says limits the Ooni’s authority to the Ife region.