The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has chosen not to issue a formal response to the 48-hour ultimatum delivered by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, regarding the conferment of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
In a post on his official Facebook page, the Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, explained that his principal considered the Alaafin’s warning unworthy of an official reply. Instead, the Ooni has decided to allow the matter to be judged in the court of public opinion rather than engaging in a war of press statements.
Olafare emphasised that the Ooni believes attention should be directed towards issues capable of uniting the Yoruba people rather than those that might foster division.
His post stated that they would not dignify what he termed an “empty threat” with an official response, adding that the focus should remain on narratives that promote unity. The message concluded with a dismissive remark about the 48-hour deadline.
This development follows a strongly worded statement from the Alaafin of Oyo, who had demanded the revocation of the chieftaincy title within 48 hours. The Alaafin had argued that the exclusive authority to confer titles covering the entire Yorubaland rests with his office, citing a Supreme Court ruling to support his position.
He maintained that the Ooni’s traditional jurisdiction is limited to the areas of Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South Local Government Areas, as defined in his instrument of office. The Alaafin described the title conferment as unlawful and an affront to his authority, warning of consequences if his directive was ignored. The Ooni of Ife’s refusal to engage marks a new phase in the ongoing dispute between these prominent traditional rulers.
Also Read:
Alaafin of Oyo demands revocation of chieftaincy title conferred by Ooni of Ife
Pres. Tinubu commissions new LPG vessel to boost clean energy access in Africa
FG disburses nearly N50 billion to primary health centres nationwide
cc: Nigerian Tribune
