The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has expressed deep concern over the reported conferment of the chieftaincy title "Okanlomo of Yorubaland" on businessman Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
According to the Alaafin, the action is not only a breach of traditional protocol but also an affront to the long-established authority of the Alaafin, who holds the exclusive right to bestow titles with pan-Yoruba significance.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Alaafin, it was emphasized that the jurisdiction of the Ooni of Ife is constitutionally and traditionally limited to the area formerly known as Oranmiyan Local Government, now comprising Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South. As such, the conferment of a title that presumes relevance across Yorubaland exceeds the Ooni’s recognized authority.
Furthermore, reference was made to a Supreme Court judgment which reaffirmed the exclusive prerogative of the Alaafin to confer chieftaincy titles covering the entire Yoruba territory.
"The perception that one traditional ruler is above the law is dangerous and unacceptable. The principle that no one is above the law must be upheld," the statement reads.
The Alaafin has, therefore, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife to revoke the title conferred on Dotun Sanusi, warning that failure to comply will attract appropriate traditional and legal consequences.
The Alaafin further reiterated his commitment to peace and unity in Yorubaland, recalling his recent unity tour where he emphasized that sustainable development is impossible without unity and respect among traditional institutions.
"The peace initiatives of the Alaafin must not be mistaken for weakness. We owe it to our ancestors and to future generations to uphold the sanctity of our traditions and maintain order in our revered institutions," the statement concluded.
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