By Ajewole Joshua|ABNews|August 19, 2025.
Ibadan, Nigeria – The ongoing dispute between two of Yorubaland’s foremost monarchs—the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has drawn intense public interest, particularly on the BBC Yoruba Facebook platform where Nigerians expressed their views in diverse and passionate ways.
The tension began after the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni, demanding the withdrawal of the chieftaincy title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” recently bestowed upon Ibadan-based businessman, Sanusi “Ilaji.” The Alaafin described the conferment as inappropriate and warned of dire consequences if the Ooni failed to revoke it.
Public Reactions
On BBC Yoruba’s Facebook page, several users commented, showing how deeply the issue resonates with the Yoruba public.
One commentator stressed the importance of kinship over rivalry, writing:
“Billionaires don’t fight for supremacy—they fight for business and opportunities. Alaafin Owoade and Ooni Ogunwusi are great kin…”
Another user drew attention to the autonomy of Yoruba monarchies:
“OSUN State installed Ooni over Ìfẹ̀ people. And Ọ̀yọ̣ State installed Alaafin over his Ọ̀yọ domain. Everyone can call himself what he likes…”
This position suggests that the different stools hold authority within their respective domains and that conflicts over titles should be avoided.
A third reaction, referencing BBC Yoruba’s report, underlined Alaafin’s firmness:
“The Alaafin of Oyo has said that it is not right for The Ooni of Ife…”
Although incomplete, the sentiment captured the strong tone of Alaafin’s message.
Historical Background
The rivalry and relationship between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife is one deeply rooted in Yoruba history.
- The Ooni of Ife is traditionally regarded as the spiritual head of the Yoruba race, being the custodian of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilization and the ancestral home of Oduduwa, considered the progenitor of the Yoruba people.
- The Alaafin of Oyo, on the other hand, emerged as the political and military powerhouse of the Yoruba nation during the height of the Oyo Empire, which dominated large parts of West Africa between the 15th and 18th centuries. The Alaafin’s authority extended far beyond Oyo, making the throne a symbol of Yoruba political might.
Over centuries, both stools have carried significant but distinct roles: the Ooni as the spiritual father of the Yoruba race, and the Alaafin as the symbol of political strength and expansion. While their roles are complementary in theory, moments of tension have historically arisen whenever questions of supremacy or overlapping authority emerge.
The latest dispute over the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” has therefore reopened age-old debates about hierarchy, jurisdiction, and cultural identity in Yorubaland.
Expert Opinions
Cultural analysts and historians have also weighed in, urging caution and dialogue.
Dr. Adewale Ogunremi, a historian at Obafemi Awolowo University, explained:
“The Ooni and the Alaafin are two important pillars in Yoruba history. Their powers were never meant to clash, but to complement each other. The Ooni stands for spirituality and ancestry, while the Alaafin represents political strength. Any conflict between them can send the wrong signal to Yoruba unity.”
Similarly, cultural commentator Chief Taye Olatunji noted that modern politics and social media often amplify what should ordinarily be resolved through traditional channels.
“In the past, disputes between Yoruba monarchs were settled quietly by councils of elders and palace emissaries. But today, every disagreement goes viral, turning cultural matters into public controversies. Both palaces should remember that their words carry great weight.”
A Yoruba elder in Ibadan, Chief Akin Aluko, called for dialogue:
“Our fathers respected each other. There is no need for public quarrels. Alaafin and Ooni should meet and resolve this amicably. The Yoruba nation is watching them.”
Broader Implications
Many social commentators warn that such disputes risk undermining Yoruba unity at a time when collective cultural strength is needed. The call from ordinary people and experts alike remains clear: the Alaafin and Ooni should put aside disagreements and work together in preserving Yoruba heritage and fostering unity among their subjects.
ABNews will continue to follow developments and provide detailed updates on this unfolding story.
