The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has faulted the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, for conferring the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi.
The Ooni had at the weekend bestowed the title on Sanusi during the unveiling of 2geda, an indigenous social media and business networking platform, held at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan.
Oba Ogunwusi described Sanusi as a promoter of Yoruba cultural and economic growth.
But in a statement issued by his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin insisted that only his office has the authority to bestow a title covering the entire Yorubaland.
Oba Owoade demanded that the title be revoked within 48 hours, warning the Ooni to “face the consequences” if he failed to comply.
“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to call him to order. The Supreme Court has ruled that it is the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer any title that covers Yorubaland,” the statement read.
The Alaafin further argued that the Ooni’s jurisdiction was limited to Ife land, stressing that his instrument of office only recognised authority over Oranmiyan Local Government, now split into Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South.
Oba Owoade also cautioned against acts capable of undermining unity across Yorubaland. He recalled his peace-building efforts among Yoruba monarchs, saying development could not thrive without peace.
“It seems the Ooni misconceives the Alaafin’s peace initiative as a sign of weakness, hence taking decisions that are ultra vires and derogatory,” the statement added.
Efforts to reach the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, for comment were unsuccessful.
