Alaafin vs Ooni: Anxiety as Oyo Palace's Next Action Unveiled After Ultimatum Expires

• The age-long supremacy battle between the two major traditional stools in Yorubaland reared its ugly head recently as many Nigerians on social media took positions
• The Alaafin of Oyo’s 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife to revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title he conferred on Ibadan business tycoon Dotun Sanusi, had reopened the rivalry between the highly revered monarchs
• Many observers, especially, individuals of Yoruba extraction, are anxious about the next line of action as the ultimatum given by the Alaafin to the Ooni expired on Wednesday, August 20

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs.

Ibadan, Oyo state - Following the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo to his counterpart in Ile-Ife, indications emerged that Abimbola Owoade could be preparing to publish a Supreme Court ruling.

Per the palace in Oyo, the Supreme Court ruling does not favour the the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, but affirms the Alaafin's exclusive right to confer chieftaincy titles covering the entire Yorubaland.

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Alaafin, Ooni purported dispute

This development came on the heels of a series of meetings held by the Alaafin with palace chiefs in Oyo town on Wednesday, August 20, to deliberate on the next action.

On Monday, August 18, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin’s media aide, had demanded that the Ooni revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title conferred on businessman, Dotun Sanusi, within 48 hours.

Durojaiye also cited the Supreme Court ruling in defence of the Alaafin’s position.

The Alaafin accused the Ooni of exceeding his authority and breaching the apex court’s pronouncement on who could confer titles with the “Yorubaland” designation, arguing that the Ooni’s powers were limited to the former Oranmiyan local government area (LGA), now split into Ife North, Ife Central, and Ife South.

Reacting to the ultimatum via his Facebook handle, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, disclosed that his principal had instructed him against issuing a formal press release on the matter.

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According to Olafare, Oba Ogunwusi’s ultimatum is an “empty threat.”

Olafare said:

“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.

“The issue would be handled in the public court of opinion. Let’s rather focus on narratives that unite us rather than the ones capable of dividing us. No Press Release please (sic) 48 hours my foot."

Though Ooni of Ife has refused to be dragged into the issue, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere and some community leaders have defended him, taking exception to Alaafin’s comments.

With the ultimatum expiring on Wednesday, August 20, multiple palace sources told The Punch that the Alaafin might unveil the Supreme Court judgment to reinforce his position as the paramount ruler of Yorubaland.

Alaafin on rumoured fight with Ooni

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Alaafin of Oyo said contrary to rife media reports, he is not feuding with Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife.

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Nigerians react as Alaafin clarifies rift with Ooni of Ife

The Alaafin set the record straight during a video interview monitored by Legit.ng.

In the same interview, the Alaafin also trashed rumours of a feud with Adebayo Adelabu.

Source: Legit.ng