The Yoruba Council Worldwide has stepped in to mediate the growing tension between two of the most revered monarchs in Yorubaland—the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The council appealed to the Alaafin to withdraw the 48-hour ultimatum earlier issued to the Ooni over the conferment of a chieftaincy title.
The dispute erupted following the Ooni’s decision to bestow the prestigious “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title on Engineer Dotun Sanusi, a well-known businessman and philanthropist who chairs Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort.
The honour, which was described as a pan-Yoruba title, immediately stirred controversy in the traditional institution.
The Alaafin rejected the move, insisting that his palace alone has the exclusive authority to confer titles of pan-Yoruba significance.
Through his spokesman, Bode Durojaiye, he demanded that the Ooni revoke the title within 48 hours, a move that has since intensified the public debate.
Responding sharply to the ultimatum, Ooni’s media aide, Moses Olafare, dismissed the threat as baseless.
In a statement posted on his social media page, he argued that while the Ooni is focused on creating opportunities for young people and investing in businesses across Yorubaland, others are preoccupied with supremacy battles that have no relevance in today’s world.
Olafare wrote: “Dead Empire! Their 48-hour ultimatum will soon lapse, and we are waiting.”
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Disturbed by the unfolding drama, the Yoruba Council Worldwide, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Charles Adeyemi, expressed deep concern over the development.
The council described the Ooni and Alaafin as sacred custodians of Yoruba culture, heritage, and history whose unity is crucial to the dignity of the Yoruba nation.
The statement read in part: “We strongly believe that moments like this demand calm, reflection, and unity rather than division.
“In this regard, we call on respected Yoruba elders, statesmen, and cultural custodians to mediate constructively and help bring about a lasting peace that honours the dignity of both royal stools.”
The council further urged the Alaafin’s spokesman to retract the ultimatum and tender an apology in order to de-escalate the tension.
It also called for the urgent convocation of a Yoruba Obas Conference where a peace pact can be reached to safeguard harmony in Yorubaland.
Appealing to the Yoruba public, particularly the youth who dominate social media discussions, the group advised restraint in language and respect for traditional rulers.
“Our words carry weight, and in times of tension, they should be used to build bridges, not walls.
“The Alaafin and the Ooni are eternal symbols of Yoruba civilisation. Their strength and unity are vital, not just for cultural preservation but also for the global image of the Yoruba nation,” the statement concluded.