The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) has formally appealed to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, to reconsider and withdraw the 48-hour ultimatum he recently issued to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, amid the escalating tension between the two prominent Yoruba monarchs. The ultimatum was prompted by a growing feud related to the conferment of a prestigious traditional title, which has attracted national attention and raised concerns over unity among Yoruba leaders.
The feud reportedly began when the Ooni of Ife conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Chief Dotun Sanusi during a ceremony in Ibadan. The Alaafin, however, rejected the conferment, arguing that only his palace has the legal and cultural authority to bestow pan-Yoruba titles. Through his spokesperson, the Alaafin demanded the revocation of the title within a strict 48-hour timeframe, creating tension between the two palaces and stirring public debate across Yoruba communities and social media platforms.
In response to the growing controversy, the YCW issued a statement on Wednesday, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Charles Adeyemi. The council described the feud as “a matter that demands calm, reflection, and unity rather than division,” emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and respect for Yoruba cultural heritage. The statement stressed that both monarchs are not only traditional leaders but also sacred custodians of Yoruba history, dignity, and culture. It called for restraint, mediation, and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
The council urged the Alaafin to retract the ultimatum while awaiting the upcoming convocation of the Yoruba Obas Conference, which is expected to provide a formal platform for reconciliation and the creation of a lasting peace pact within Yorubaland. The YCW also appealed to Yoruba elders, statesmen, and cultural custodians to intervene constructively, ensuring that the feud does not undermine the unity of the Yoruba people or the respect accorded to these esteemed traditional institutions.
Additionally, the council called on Yoruba citizens, particularly youths and active social media users, to exercise restraint and avoid spreading divisive comments or unverified information. “Our words carry weight, and in times of tension, they should be used to build bridges, not walls. The Alaafin and the Ooni represent eternal symbols of Yoruba civilization. Their unity is vital for cultural preservation and the collective dignity of the Yoruba nation,” the statement emphasized. The YCW highlighted that peaceful resolution and mutual respect between the Alaafin and the Ooni are essential for safeguarding Yoruba traditions and fostering intergenerational harmony.
Netizens Reactions…
Tomilola Olalekan Sowo reacted; “All these groups are just making this Alaafin think he’s doing the right thing by advising him. What can he even do to Ooni? Let him face the shame he plans to bring upon himself now. Joker.”
utmostdecasual commented; “It’s better we iron it out now. Ooni is superior to Alaafin. Ile Ife has been in existence before any town in Yorubaland. Last born of Oduduwa, Oranmiyan founded the Oyo empire and the Benin kingdom. Obatala, the second born, enthroned the Ife Kingdom from Oduduwa, who is their father. Ooni is superior.”
Engr Package Yemaks said; “Ooni is Alaafin’s great-grandfather. Ooni is the real Oduduwa. The first Ooni of Ile Ife is Oduduwa. So Ooni occupies the spot of Alaafin’s forefathers. Go and study Yoruba history well.”
Jimoh Oluwabunmi Ahmed stated; “Alaafin will be embarrassed on either side he chooses. Ooni has more supporters than Alaafin in the current age. This is not the era of using gunpowder to assert dominance.”
Akin Adeyanju wrote; “Alaafin should be fighting for the creation of a new Oyo state by now. Abi which chieftaincy helps? Abi Oyo wants to remain under Ibadan forever?”[/p>