Ooni-Alaafin dispute analyzed by historian Dr. Oladeji, highlighting the balance of spiritual and political power in Yorubaland
The ongoing dispute between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has drawn national attention, sparking debates across Nigeria about tradition, authority, and the legacy of Yoruba kingship.
According to Dr. Ashipa Akinyele Oladeji, a distinguished historian and scholar of Yoruba history, the disagreement is deeply rooted in the distinct yet intertwined roles of these monarchs and their historical origins.
The controversy began when the Ooni conferred the title of “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Engineer Dotun Sanusi, a renowned philanthropist and chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort.
The Ooni framed the title as a pan-Yoruba honor, meant to recognize Sanusi’s contributions to the Yoruba people.
However, the Alaafin’s palace immediately objected, claiming that titles of such significance fall under the sole jurisdiction of the Alaafin of Oyo, historically acknowledged as the paramount ruler of the Yoruba nation.
Through his spokesman, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding that the Ooni revoke the title.
The ultimatum, steeped in traditional authority, was met with swift rejection by the Ooni’s media aide, Moses Olafare, who dismissed it as “baseless and outdated”. Posting on social media, Olafare wrote: “Dead Empire! Their 48-hour ultimatum will soon lapse, and we are waiting.”
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.
Dr. Oladeji elaborated on the historical distinctions between the two royal houses, emphasizing that while their functions sometimes overlap, their authorities are distinct and complementary.
“The Ooni’s role remains invaluable as the spiritual head of the Yoruba, but this does not diminish the Alaafin’s position as the paramount ruler of the Yoruba nation. Each has its place, its authority, and its legacy.”
He explained that although the Ooni, historically referred to as Oonirisa, is not of Odùduwà’s direct bloodline, he was carefully trained in the palace, mastering sacred rituals, spiritual rites, and ceremonial duties of the Ife shrine.
This positioned him as the Adélé Odùduwà, a custodian and placeholder, rather than a hereditary ruler or conqueror.
“Odùduwà was never an Ooni. The Ooni has always been a custodian, a spiritual intermediary, not the progenitor. Neither blood nor conquest established his stool,” Dr. Oladeji noted.
In contrast, the Alaafin historically commanded military power, signed treaties with colonial authorities, and appointed high-ranking officials within the Yoruba polity (Crowther, 1852; Falola, 1999).
The Alaafin’s authority was both political and military, whereas the Ooni’s influence was spiritual and cultural.
“The Alaafin could not have mediated disputes unless war was the intended resolution. Spiritual arbitration, on the other hand, belonged to Ife,” Dr. Oladeji explained.
Delving deeper into the roots of Yoruba monarchy, Dr. Oladeji described a nuanced and layered system:
“Ilé-Ifẹ was the cradle of the Yoruba people, the sacred seat of Odùduwà, our great progenitor.
“An old Yoruba saying goes, ‘Where the head is, there is the headquarters.’ Ife was the spiritual headquarters of the Yoruba nation, the root of all political and spiritual authority.
“Yet, Odùduwà could not crown all his descendants kings within his palace; he sent them out to establish new territories.”
Among these descendants was Oranmiyan, who founded the Oyo Empire. This empire, one of the most powerful in West Africa, extended Yoruba influence far beyond the region. In Dr. Oladeji’s words:
“Oranmiyan’s establishment of Oyo demonstrates the balance of power between spiritual authority and military prowess.
“Ife remained the spiritual nucleus, while Oyo became the political and military arm of the Yoruba.”
He emphasized that disputes like the current Ooni-Alaafin tension are often misunderstood without historical context, as they touch both spiritual and temporal aspects of leadership.
The conferral of the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title is not merely ceremonial; it carries spiritual and symbolic significance, reinforcing the perception of the Ooni as a pan-Yoruba authority.
“This dimension complicates the dispute, highlighting the delicate balance between cultural honor and political jurisdiction.
Amid the controversy, respected Ifa priest and custodian of Yoruba tradition, Ifayemi Elebuibon, urged restraint from both monarchs.
Speaking to cultural promoter Bamidele Adeyanju (Agbaletu), Elebuibon highlighted the shared heritage of Ife and Oyo: “Oranmiyan, founder of 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.”
Drawing from the Ifa divination system, Elebuibon underscored that Ile-Ife holds a sacred, undisputed position as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation.
Elebuibon’s call for calm underscores the intertwined history of these kingdoms, reminding the monarchs that their power is complementary, not conflicting, and that unity is essential for the cultural integrity of Yorubaland.
The dispute between the Ooni and Alaafin highlights broader issues of historical memory, authority, and identity within Yoruba society.
Scholars like Dr. Oladeji argue that while ceremonial titles are important, understanding the historical context is crucial to avoid misinterpretations.
“Respect for history, spiritual traditions, and political structures ensures that disputes do not escalate into lasting divisions.
“Both monarchs serve the Yoruba people, each in their own sphere—one through spiritual guidance, the other through political and military stewardship. Recognizing this balance is key to maintaining harmony.”
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