Ifa priest Elebuibon intervenes in the Ooni-Alaafin dispute, urging Yoruba monarchs to prioritise peace, unity, and cultural heritage over rivalry
Renowned Ifa priest and cultural icon, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, has stepped into the escalating dispute between two of Yorubaland’s most revered monarchs — the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
The dispute, which has attracted widespread attention across Nigeria, was triggered by the Ooni’s recent decision to bestow the title of “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on prominent businessman and philanthropist, Engineer Dotun Sanusi, chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort.
The move, which the Ooni described as a pan-Yoruba honour, sparked immediate controversy, with the Alaafin insisting that his palace alone has the sole and exclusive authority to confer titles of such wide-reaching significance.
Through his spokesman, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin issued a stern 48-hour ultimatum demanding that the Ooni revoke the title.
In response, the Ooni’s media aide, Moses Olafare, dismissed the ultimatum as baseless and outdated.
In a strongly worded statement posted on social media, Olafare described the Alaafin’s position as irrelevant in today’s Nigeria, writing: “Dead Empire! Their 48-hour ultimatum will soon lapse, and we are waiting.”
He argued that while the Ooni is focused on creating opportunities for young people, investing in businesses, and strengthening pan-Yoruba unity, others remain preoccupied with supremacy battles.
The controversy escalated further when a viral video surfaced showing Alaafin Owoade asserting that: “Alaafin is Sango, Sango is Alaafin, and no one dares to challenge Sango.”
The declaration, steeped in historical symbolism, added a spiritual dimension to the power tussle and further polarized opinions within Yorubaland.
Amid the mounting tension, Ifayemi Elebuibon — a highly respected Ifa priest, playwright, and custodian of Yoruba tradition — has called for restraint from both royal camps.
Speaking in an interview with cultural promoter Bamidele Adeyanju, popularly known as Agbaletu, Elebuibon reminded the monarchs of their shared history, stressing that the foundations of both Oyo and Ife are intertwined.
He said: “Oranmiyan, who founded Oyo, came from Ile-Ife.
“There is no way you can tell the history of Oyo without tracing it back to Ife, and there is no way you can narrate the history of Ife without mentioning Oyo.”
The priest emphasised that the quarrel was needless and beneath the dignity of Yoruba royalty, particularly coming from a monarch who has only recently mounted the throne.
“Someone who has not even been a king for up to a year, not even up to six months — is it trouble he ought to be causing?
“All that should matter to them is how there will be peace everywhere, not unnecessary seniority fights.”
Drawing from the Ifa divination system, Elebuibon underscored that Ile-Ife holds a sacred, undisputed position as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation.
He urged both monarchs to channel their energy into promoting peace, unity, and cultural preservation rather than rivalry.
The clash between the Ooni and the Alaafin is not new in Yoruba history. Traditionally, both thrones command immense respect, influence, and authority within Yorubaland.
Ile-Ife is revered as the spiritual and ancestral home of the Yoruba people, while Oyo historically wielded political and military dominance during the height of the Oyo Empire.
Over the centuries, these two stools have symbolised different dimensions of Yoruba identity — with Ife representing spiritual origin and Oyo symbolising political power.
Scholars and historians have long noted that cooperation between both palaces is essential for maintaining Yoruba unity.
Elebuibon’s intervention reflects a broader concern that the current disagreement, if not carefully managed, could divide the Yoruba nation at a time when unity is most needed to address wider socio-economic challenges.
As the war of words continues to spark debate on social and traditional media, many Yoruba elders and cultural stakeholders are echoing Elebuibon’s call for peace. The consensus is that both the Ooni and the Alaafin must rise above ego battles and instead work together to preserve the dignity of their offices.
In Elebuibon’s words: “All that should matter to them is ensuring peace, stability, and unity among the Yoruba people. The thrones they occupy are sacred institutions, not arenas for rivalry.”
For millions of Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora, the resolution of this crisis is not just about two individuals, but about safeguarding the very essence of Yoruba heritage.
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