The recent statement credited to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, demanding that the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, revoke the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland within 48 hours, is not only disturbing but utterly uncalled for. As a bona fide son of Yoruba land, one who honours and reveres the sacred traditions of our forefathers, I find it necessary to condemn this statement in its entirety.
Tradition, Respect, and Yoruba Heritage
The Yoruba civilization is one of the most sophisticated and ancient in Africa. It thrives on a culture of respect, honour, and collective heritage. In this cultural arrangement, the Ooni of Ife occupies a unique position, not only as the custodian of Ile-Ife—the cradle of the Yoruba race—but also as a co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria alongside the Sultan of Sokoto. To issue an ultimatum to such a revered institution is to undermine not just the person of the Ooni, but the heritage and unity of the Yoruba nation.
A Misstep That Threatens Unity
For centuries, Yoruba monarchs have played complementary roles in ensuring peace, stability, and continuity of our traditions. The Alaafin of Oyo himself is highly respected as a titan and cultural symbol. However, to demand a revocation of a title bestowed by the Ooni is an affront to Yoruba unity. Yoruba land does not belong to one palace or one king—it belongs to all of us, the sons and daughters of Oduduwa.
Rather than issuing threats and ultimatums, what Yoruba people need today is synergy among our royal fathers to address the challenges of insecurity, moral decadence, and socio-economic marginalization. Supremacy battles only weaken us before the eyes of the world.
The Title Okanlomo of Yorubaland Has Come to Stay
Engineer Dotun Sanusi, the worthy recipient of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland, is a son of the soil whose contributions to the growth and progress of Yoruba land cannot be denied. Recognizing such a man with a befitting chieftaincy title should be a source of pride, not controversy. Once the Ooni has spoken, Ase ni Oba ma pa. The title has come to stay; no threats or ultimatums can diminish its value.
A Call to Alaafin: Thread Softly
I therefore call on the Alaafin to tread the path of wisdom and peace. Our ancestors did not labour to hand us a legacy of disunity. Yoruba land belongs to all of us, and our monarchs must rise above rivalry to provide leadership, stability, and inspiration to the younger generation.
History will not remember who won supremacy battles. History will remember who built bridges, who united the land, and who ensured that the Yoruba nation took its rightful place in Nigeria and the world.
By: A Yoruba Son Committed to Unity, Peace, and Honour of Tradition
Ayeni Oluwaseun Samuel