The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has publicly criticized the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, following the conferment of the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on prominent businessman Dotun Sanusi, popularly known as Ilaji.
Oba Owoade contended that the authority to bestow a title with jurisdiction across all of Yorubaland rests solely with the Alaafin of Oyo. He described any attempt by another monarch to grant such a title as a direct affront to the Oyo throne, which he referred to as the “Titan of Yorubaland.”
In a statement released by his media aide, Debo Durojaiye, the Alaafin accused the Ooni of acting with an “above the law attitude,” suggesting that he behaves as though no one has the power to restrain him. Oba Owoade added that the Ooni’s actions appear to disregard even the Supreme Court, which has affirmed that only the Alaafin may confer titles recognized across Yorubaland.
The statement also highlighted that the Ooni’s authority, as defined by his staff of office, is strictly limited to the Ife region, encompassing Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South Local Government Areas, and does not extend beyond this jurisdiction.
Issuing a stern ultimatum, the Alaafin demanded that the title awarded to Sanusi be revoked within 48 hours, warning that the Ooni has repeatedly overstepped his bounds.
