The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State has raised deep concerns over the rising tension between two of the most revered Yoruba monarchs — the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi. The association warned that the continuous feud between the royal fathers may not be ordinary but could be the result of a spiritual spell cast by enemies of Yoruba unity.
Speaking on the matter, the President of the association, Oluseyi Atanda, lamented that the repeated clashes and public disagreements between the Alaafin and the Ooni were not only worrisome but could also ignite a larger crisis across Yorubaland if urgent steps were not taken to resolve them. He further suggested that proper traditional rites, rituals, and consultations may be required to restore peace and harmony, stressing that unseen spiritual forces might be working against the progress of the Yoruba people.
“The two monarchs are not strangers to tradition. They are traditional rulers and custodians of Yoruba culture. We are from the same father, and under no condition should they be at loggerheads. What is happening looks like a spell, possibly from people who do not want the Yoruba race to be united,” Atanda stated. He added that the aides and followers of the two royal fathers must act with caution and restraint so as not to escalate the matter further.
Also weighing in, renowned Ifa priest and poet, Ifayemi Elebuibon, condemned the feud, describing it as both “needless and disgraceful.” According to him, Yoruba monarchs should not be engaged in supremacy battles or public quarrels but should instead channel their energy into the advancement, peace, and prosperity of the Yoruba nation. “What should be paramount is the progress of the Yoruba race, not rivalry. Some people are deliberately fanning the embers of discord, but the monarchs must show leadership by rising above this,” he cautioned.
The lingering hostilities between the Alaafin and the Ooni were reignited recently after the Ooni of Ife conferred the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on prominent businessman Dotun Sanusi. The event, which took place during the unveiling of an indigenous networking platform in Ibadan on August 16, sparked outrage from the Alaafin, who strongly faulted the action. According to the Alaafin, only he holds the traditional and ancestral authority to bestow titles that cover the entire Yoruba nation, and any attempt otherwise undermines the sacred hierarchy of Yoruba kingship.
With tension now at its peak, stakeholders and cultural leaders fear that the issue, if not properly managed, could polarize the Yoruba people further. Calls have intensified for dialogue, reconciliation, and possibly spiritual intervention to avert a breakdown of peace among the Yoruba traditional institutions.