Yoruba Chieftaincy Tussle Deepens: Olukosi Backs Ooni, Questions Alaafin's Authority
The Olukosi of Ilukosi-Ijesa, Oba Omotooyosi Akinleye, has publicly challenged the Alaafin of Oyo’s claim to exclusive authority over chieftaincy titles in Yorubaland. This follows a 48-hour ultimatum from the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, demanding the Ooni of Ife revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title recently bestowed on businessman Dotun Sanusi.
Oba Akinleye asserted that traditional rulers' powers are limited to their respective domains, emphasizing the Ooni’s primacy as the custodian of the Oduduwa heritage. The debate has sparked strong reactions online, with some referencing a Supreme Court ruling backing the Alaafin’s claims.
The dispute highlights deepening divisions over hierarchy and authority within the Yoruba traditional system.
#YorubaTradition
#OoniVsAlaafin
#ChieftaincyDispute

Ooni–Alaafin Rift: ‘Powers Of Traditional Rulers End At LG Level,’ Ex-Govt Aide

A former aide to the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, Doyin Odebowale, has faulted the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, over his demand that the Ooni of Ife revoke a chieftaincy title conferred on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Odebowale said monarchs derive authority only within their local government areas and cannot override elected officials. He added that colonial chieftaincy laws had long reduced their powers.

The remarks follow a clash between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, after the latter conferred the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title on Sanusi. The Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding revocation, claiming sole authority over such titles.

The Ooni’s camp dismissed the ultimatum as an “empty threat,” while the Alaafin’s aides later clarified that he was defending Yoruba tradition, not seeking supremacy.

#Ooni #Alaafin #YorubaTradition

Royal Rift in Yorubaland: Alaafin vs. Ooni

The Olukosi of Ilukosi-Ijesa, Oba Omotooyosi Bayo M. Akinleye, has challenged the authority of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem

Royal Rift in Yorubaland: Alaafin vs. Ooni

The Olukosi of Ilukosi-Ijesa, Oba Omotooyosi Bayo M. Akinleye, has challenged the authority of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, stating it does not extend beyond Oyo land.

This comes after the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the revocation of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on businessman Dotun Sanusi (Ilaji).

Akinleye emphasised:

“No child is older than who fathered them; we are all children of Oduduwa, and the Ooni sits on our father’s throne.”

The dispute has sparked debates online, with some citing a Supreme Court ruling affirming the Alaafin’s authority over such titles, while others question its scope beyond Oyo.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has rejected a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, demanding the withdrawal of the Oluomo of Yorubaland title recently conferred on businessman Chief Dotun Sanusi.

The Alaafin had accused the Ooni of overstepping traditional authority, insisting that only the Oyo throne holds the exclusive right to bestow titles covering the entire Yorubaland, a claim he said was backed by a Supreme Court ruling.

In response, Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, described the ultimatum as an “empty threat from a dead empire,” dismissing it as mere “supremacy hullabaloo.” He stressed that the Ooni was more focused on creating jobs and empowering youths, citing the planned Ojaja Smart City project in Ibadan, rather than engaging in what he called outdated supremacy battles.

Olafare added that the alleged Oluomo of Yorubaland title in contention “does not even exist,” insisting that those issuing threats were simply “jokers.”

Isese Day: Yoruba Group Alleges External Manipulation of Thrones, Warns Against Undermining Ile-Ife

A Yoruba civil society group, the Yoruba Revolutionary Movement (YOREM), has accused traditional rulers, political elites, and religious leaders of betraying Yoruba heritage by allegedly submitting to what it described as an “Afroasiatic imperial order” backed by internal collaborators.

In a statement marking Isese Day 2025, YOREM claimed that the historic rivalry between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife is being exploited as a smokescreen to weaken Ile-Ife, regarded as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba.

The group alleged that the humiliation of traditional rulers — such as the Olu Amugbo of Iwo during a coronation — reflected calculated external interference in Yoruba institutions.

“The Alaafin-Ooni rivalry is not a mere palace squabble. It masks a deeper agenda to subordinate Ile-Ife to alien control. What is playing out is spiritual warfare aimed at erasing our divine origin and replacing it with Abrahamic myths,” the statement read.

YOREM further rejected the blanket use of the word “Yoruba”, describing it as a colonial label, insisting that groups such as the Igbomina, Ekiti, Ijesha, Ijebu, Awori, Okun, and Ilaje all trace their roots to Odùduwà and Ile-Ife.

The group also criticized the Tinubu administration, accusing it of ethnic exclusion, voter suppression during the 2023 elections, and authoritarian practices. It condemned the alleged marginalisation of the Igbo in federal appointments, describing the judiciary and INEC as compromised.

YOREM defended rising calls for Biafran self-determination, warning that continued injustice and inequality could lead to wider disintegration.

“You cannot treat a people as second-class citizens and expect loyalty. The demand for Biafra is not treason but resistance to oppression. Unless justice prevails, others will follow,” the group warned.

#IseseDay #YorubaHeritage #IleIfe #Alaafin #Ooni #Nigeria #CulturalIdentity #TraditionalInstitutions #Tinubu #Biafra #Justice

Ooni, Alaafin Differ Over Chieftaincy Title For Businessman

A dispute has erupted between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, over a chieftaincy title conferred on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi.

On Monday, the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum, describing the Ooni’s action as an “affront” and claiming only the Alaafin has exclusive authority to confer titles covering the entire Yorubaland.

But the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said the monarch will not dignify the threat with a response, urging focus on unity rather than division.

The Alaafin insists failure to revoke the title would attract “consequences.”

#OoniOfIfe #AlaafinOfOyo #Yoruba #Chieftaincy #Nigeria #Tradition #DotunSanusi

Sunday Igboho returns, calls on FG to remove his name from wanted list.
Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has returned to Nigeria from Germany.

His arrival was met with cheers as several Yoruba socio-cultural groups, including the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Vigilante Group, and Ifelodun Security Network, came out to welcome him.

Igboho was arrested alongside his wife, Ropo, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in July 2021.

He had fled Nigeria following a raid by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, on July 1, 2021.

In 2024, the activist was in the country briefly for his late mother’s burial ceremony.

Upon his return to Nigeria on Tuesday, Igboho pleaded with President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to remove his name from wanted list, saying he is not a criminal and should not be treated as such.

Igboho lamented that he was declared wanted by the Late Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for an unknown offence, and it has made it difficult for him to use the Nigerian Passport as well as denied him access to his bank accounts.

Igboho stated this during a visit to the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, at his Ile Igbon Palace on Tuesday.

Arriving at the palace around 4:20 p.m., he expressed disaffection with his current situation.

“What have I done to justify my being declared wanted by Buhari’s administration. I am not a criminal and should not be treated as such.

“If not the assurance given by Olugbon, I wouldn’t have been able to make this trip. I couldn’t come to Nigeria talk less of sleeping in my house in Ibadan.

“I couldn’t access any of my bank accounts just because I am defending the interest of the Yorubaland.

“I am here to seek the intervention of Oba Olugbon on this matter. I know he is in position to appeal to the federal government to rescind decision on my being declared wanted,” he said.

Continuing, Igboho said he had raised the same issue with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, saying he’s tired of life in exile.

“I have raised the same matter with Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade. I have been to his Palace. I am tired of staying in exile,” he added.

On region’s security, Igboho urged the government to appoint capable individuals to oversee safety in the South West.

“If I cannot be entrusted with this responsibility, then they should appoint someone qualified, and we will fully support their efforts,” he added.

He also called on Southwest Governors to unite in their approach to the President on Igboho’s behalf, adding , “It’s time for you to return home; enough of your time abroad.”

While responding, Oba Alao recommended Igboho for a leadership role in the Southwest’s security framework, asserting: “While the Federal Government may have its national security strategies, I believe Sunday Igboho is well-suited for this responsibility. I will formally recommend him to the governors and President Tinubu within 48 hours.