Revoke Sanusi’s chieftaincy within 48 hours or face consequences, Alaafin tells Ooni

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has issued a strong ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the prompt cancellation of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland, recently awarded to Ibadan businessman Engineer Dotun Sanusi.

In a statement released by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin characterised the Ooni’s action as a “direct affront” to his position as the Paramount Ruler and Chief Leader of Yorubaland.

He emphasised that the title must be revoked within 48 hours, warning that the Ooni would face repercussions if this demand is not met.

“The conferment of any chieftaincy title covering the entirety of Yorubaland remains the exclusive right of the Alaafin, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.

“By bestowing such a title, the Ooni has acted beyond his jurisdiction, disregarding the apex court ruling and undermining the revered institution of the Alaafin,” the statement read.

Owoade further argued that the instrument of office presented to Ogunwusi at his installation limits his traditional authority to Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South Local Government Areas.

He accused the Ooni of consistently acting “above the law” and taking steps that undermine unity in Yorubaland.

The Alaafin, while recalling his unity tour to Yoruba monarchs, restated that peace and unity are essential to meaningful development.

“Our forefathers desired unity and worked hard to preserve it. We must do the same. No development can be achieved without peace and unity,” he stressed.

He added that his peace initiatives should not be misconstrued as weakness, warning that the Ooni’s actions were “ultra vires and derogatory” to the institution of the Alaafin as the Titan of Yorubaland.