The Olukosi of Ilukosi-Ijesa, Oba Omotooyosi Bayo Akinleye, has cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo against extending his authority beyond Oyo State in the ongoing chieftaincy tussle involving the Ooni of Ife.
Speaking on the controversy, the Olukosi stressed that the Alaafin’s powers are limited to Oyo, while reaffirming the Ooni of Ife’s position as the spiritual head of the Yoruba people. According to him, traditional rulers must respect their boundaries to avoid unnecessary conflict.
The statement follows the Alaafin’s recent 48-hour ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” conferred by the Ooni on a businessman. The directive has sparked criticism from Yoruba leaders and traditional stakeholders, who urged peaceful resolution of the matter.
Oba Akinleye reiterated that while the Alaafin remains highly revered within Oyo, the Ooni’s spiritual influence and authority transcend territorial boundaries, serving as a unifying symbol for all Yorubas.
The development adds another dimension to the age-long rivalry between the two historic thrones, highlighting the delicate balance of power in Yoruba traditional leadership.