Ooni’s Spokesperson Responds to Alaafin’s Ultimatum, Calls It Symbolic of a Past Era"

The ongoing conversation over a purported chieftaincy title conferred by the Ooni of Ife has stirred a range of reactions within the Yoruba traditional hierarchy.

Recently, the Alaafin of Oyo reportedly cautioned the Ooni of Ife regarding the alleged conferment of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan-based businessman, Chief Dotun Sanusi. The Alaafin considered the move a challenge to his authority and the long-standing traditions of the Oyo institution.

According to the Alaafin, the authority to bestow titles with jurisdiction across Yorubaland lies exclusively with his office—a claim he states has been upheld by a Supreme Court ruling.

In response to the development, the Ooni’s spokesperson, via a WhatsApp status update, downplayed the ultimatum, describing it as ungrounded and reflective of outdated power struggles. He stated that the Ooni remains focused on economic development efforts, particularly initiatives aimed at empowering youth across the South West.

“The Ooni is focused on launching developmental projects like the Ojaja Smart City in Ibadan, which is set to be the largest of its kind in Africa. Others seem more interested in chasing supremacy narratives that no longer apply,” the spokesperson remarked.

He added that the Ooni has no involvement in a supremacy contest and questioned the basis for the 48-hour ultimatum issued over what he termed a non-existent chieftaincy title.

In a related development, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, weighed in on the issue. Through a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Akogun Banjo Ayinde, the monarch clarified that there is no indication the Ooni conferred or even intended to confer such a title.

“For clarity, the Ooni has neither considered nor appointed anyone as Okanlomo of Yorubaland. We invite anyone with credible, verifiable evidence to the contrary to bring it forward,” the statement read.

The Oore further emphasized the Ooni’s recognized spiritual and traditional role as a father figure within the Yoruba and Oduduwa communities globally, stating that he retains the authority to grant culturally significant titles when appropriate.