The Ooni confirms Okanlomo Oodua installation of Dotun Sanusi in December, deepening rift with Alaafin of Oyo over Yoruba traditional titles.
The highly anticipated Okanlomo Oodua installation of Engineer Jubril Dotun Sanusi has become the latest flashpoint in Yoruba traditional politics.
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, officially announced that the business magnate and philanthropist will be installed on December 4th and 5th, 2025.
Oba Ogunwusi made this declaration during a visit to the Bodija residence of the Olubadan Designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I).
He described Chief Sanusi as a visionary leader, a bridge between tradition and modernity, and a man who has invested his wealth and energy into promoting Yoruba unity, youth empowerment, and cultural pride.
According to the Ooni, the Okanlomo Oodua installation is not just about personal recognition but a reward for consistent service to humanity.
“This honour acknowledges Dotun Sanusi’s enduring contributions to culture, progress, and Yoruba identity,” the monarch emphasized.
The announcement quickly stirred tensions across Yorubaland.
The prestigious title, regarded as a pan-Yoruba honour, immediately revived age-long rivalries between the two most influential thrones in Yoruba land — the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo.
IREPORT247NEWS recalls that on August 18, 2025, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, openly criticised the Ooni’s move.
He argued that, historically and by custom, only the Oyo throne retains the authority to confer chieftaincy titles that cut across the entire Yoruba race.
In a firm statement, the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding that the title granted to Dotun Sanusi be revoked.
He warned that failure to comply would leave him with no choice but to take “necessary and decisive measures” to protect Yoruba tradition.
The Ooni’s palace wasted no time in responding. Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs, dismissed the ultimatum as baseless.
He noted that the Ooni was too focused on building businesses, creating opportunities, and empowering the youth to engage in supremacy battles.
“Ooni is busy creating jobs and legacies for Yoruba youths while others are fighting for supremacy that doesn’t exist anymore,” Olafare posted on social media.
“Dead Empire! Their 48-hour ultimatum will soon lapse, and we are waiting.”
His fiery remarks further ignited public debate, with cultural commentators questioning who truly holds the mantle of pan-Yoruba leadership in modern times.
Engineer Jubril Dotun Sanusi, Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, is widely respected as a businessman and philanthropist.
Beyond his corporate success, he is celebrated for community projects that range from youth empowerment and sports development to cultural preservation and tourism.
IREPORT247NEWS learned that his selection for the Okanlomo Oodua installation was influenced by his track record of bridging tradition with innovation.
For many, his elevation is a recognition of his role as a unifier and custodian of Yoruba values in contemporary society.
The current dispute over the Okanlomo Oodua installation cannot be understood without revisiting history.
For centuries, the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo have both claimed leadership over the Yoruba race.
The Ooni, as custodian of Ile-Ife — the cradle of Yoruba civilization — is seen as the spiritual father. The Alaafin, on the other hand, draws legitimacy from the political power once commanded by the Oyo Empire.
These dual claims to authority have often created friction, with disputes flaring up whenever questions of supremacy or cultural jurisdiction arise. The Sanusi episode appears to be another chapter in this historic rivalry.
Public opinion on the controversy remains divided. Supporters of the Ooni believe that the installation of Dotun Sanusi reflects a forward-looking approach to traditional leadership.
They argue that the Yoruba nation needs leaders who are philanthropists, visionaries, and promoters of heritage.
On the other hand, supporters of the Alaafin warn that undermining established customs risks eroding the sanctity of Yoruba tradition. They insist that the powers of the Oyo throne cannot be ignored or diluted.
Analysts note that if not carefully managed, the dispute could deepen divides within Yoruba land at a time when unity is urgently needed to tackle socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and cultural erosion.
Despite the controversy, preparations for the December event are moving forward. The Ooni’s palace has announced that the ceremony will be a grand festival of culture, featuring traditional rites, artistic displays, and gatherings of dignitaries.
The event will not only highlight Dotun Sanusi’s contributions but also showcase Yoruba traditions to a global audience.
For the Ooni’s palace, the Okanlomo Oodua installation will stand as a celebration of leadership, service, and heritage.
The unfolding events surrounding the Okanlomo Oodua installation of Dotun Sanusi highlight the delicate balance between tradition, modernity, and power in Yoruba land.
While the December ceremony promises to honour a man many see as a bridge-builder, it also exposes long-standing tensions between two of the most powerful thrones in Yoruba history.
As the Yoruba people watch closely, the central question remains: will this installation strengthen unity, or will it widen the rift between Ile-Ife and Oyo?
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