The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has faulted the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the conferment of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as a violation of tradition and a direct challenge to his exclusive authority to bestow titles that cover the entire Yorubaland.
According to him, the Ooni’s jurisdiction is limited to the former Oranmiyan Local Government, which has since been split into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.
He further cited a Supreme Court ruling that, he claimed, affirms the Alaafin’s sole prerogative in matters of pan-Yoruba chieftaincy titles.
Oba Owoade demanded that the Ooni revoke Sanusi’s title within 48 hours, warning of “consequences” should the directive be ignored.
“The dictum that nobody is above the law is being tested,” the Alaafin said, stressing that peace and unity are crucial for the progress of Yorubaland.
