A fresh row has erupted between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, over the conferment of the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland.”
The Alaafin, in a strong statement, faulted the Ooni for bestowing the pan-Yoruba title on businessman Sanusi ‘Ilaji,’ describing the action as inappropriate and against tradition. He subsequently issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni to withdraw the title or face consequences.
The development has heightened tension within Yorubaland as both monarchs are regarded as leading custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition. Observers fear the dispute may deepen existing rivalries among first-class traditional rulers if not quickly resolved.