Tension Between Ooni and Alaafin Sparks Concern Among Traditionalists

The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State has expressed deep concern over the recurring hostilities between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, warning that the feud could destabilize unity within Yorubaland.

Speaking with NEWSMEN, the President of the association, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, suggested that the monarchs might be under a spell, stressing that only traditional rituals could restore peace between the two frontline rulers.

“The two monarchs are traditionalists. We are from the same father. What could have caused the fight? May we not be under a spell in Yorubaland. What is happening could be the handiwork of those who do not want the Yoruba race to unite” Atanda said. He warned that the rivalry could escalate with other monarchs taking sides, thereby igniting a wider crisis.

Atanda described the dispute as needless, especially given the monarchs’ influence, wealth and exposure.

Similarly, renowned poet and Ifa priest, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, condemned the feud, calling it an embarrassment. He noted that sacrifices and prayers had already been offered by traditionalists to avert further discord.

“The two monarchs are cool-headed and represent the Yoruba race globally. If they continue exchanging words, it becomes a disgrace to all Yorubas. What should matter most to them is the progress and security of the Yoruba people, not supremacy battles,” Elebuibon told NEWSMEN.

The renewed hostilities flared on Monday when Oba Ogunwusi conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the unveiling of 2geda, an indigenous social media and business networking platform, in Ibadan. In response, the Alaafin, through his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that the Ooni revoke the title, arguing that only he had the authority to confer a chieftaincy title covering the entirety of Yorubaland.

However, Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, dismissed the ultimatum, saying the matter should be left “in the court of public opinion”.

Findings by NEWSMEN revealed that this was the second major clash between the monarchs this year. In March, they disagreed over the Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, United States, following the killing of its leader, Adejuyigbe Adefunmi.

Palace insiders disclosed that although Oba Owoade had threatened to release a Supreme Court judgment affirming his exclusive right to confer Yoruba-wide titles, he was not considering a fresh legal case against the Ooni. Instead, Yoruba elders have reportedly stepped in to mediate between the two traditional rulers.

One senior palace source confirmed that Oba Owoade had cautioned his aides against making inflammatory remarks, while another revealed that efforts were ongoing to reconcile both monarchs.

“The calls from Yoruba leaders within and outside the country are overwhelming. They are appealing for restraint so elders can wade in” the source said.

Meanwhile, insiders at the Ooni’s palace maintained that Oba Ogunwusi remained unshaken and was unwilling to engage further.

“They are the ones who issued an ultimatum. They should be asked what consequences they intend to carry out” one aide remarked.