The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State, has expressed concern over the renewed clashes between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.
President of the association, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, said on Friday that the two monarchs might be under a spell, stressing that rituals were needed to restore peace.
He warned that the rift could divide Yoruba monarchs and escalate into a major crisis if not quickly resolved.
“The two monarchs are traditionalists. What could have caused the fight? May we not be under spell in Yorubaland. What is happening could be from some people who don’t want the Yoruba race to unite,” Atanda said.
Also, popular Ifa priest and poet, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, described the feud as needless, noting that sacrifices were already being offered for peace in Yorubaland.
He said it was a “disgrace” for the two foremost Yoruba monarchs, who represent the race globally, to be locked in a supremacy battle instead of focusing on development.
The dispute resurfaced after Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi in Ibadan on August 16. The Alaafin rejected the move, claiming he alone had the authority to bestow titles covering the entire Yorubaland, and issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the title to be revoked.
While the ultimatum has elapsed, aides of both monarchs have declined further comments, citing ongoing interventions by Yoruba elders at home and abroad.
Palace sources confirmed that Oba Owoade is not considering fresh legal action but may rely on an existing Supreme Court judgment which he said affirms his authority.
This marks the second clash between the two monarchs this year. In March, they disagreed over control of Oyotunji African Village in the United States following the killing of its leader, Adejuyigbe Adefunmi.
Despite the tension, sources from both palaces said reconciliation efforts were ongoing, with elders urging restraint on all sides.
