We are settling the supremacy dispute between Ooni and Alaafin — Gani Adams”

Amid escalating tensions between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, key Yoruba leaders and groups have stepped in to calm the brewing conflict and urge unity in Yorubaland.

The controversy reignited following the conferment of the chieftaincy title, Okanlomo Oodua, on business mogul Jubril Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni of Ife. Sanusi clarified yesterday that his title is Okanlomo Oodua — not Okanlomo of Yorubaland, as some reports mistakenly suggested. The clarification comes after the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the title, a move the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, dismissed as an empty threat.

Reacting to the dispute, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, revealed that he has intervened by reaching out to both monarchs and other Yoruba elders to mediate peace. Speaking on the matter, Adams said:

“The Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo are pillars of Yorubaland and Africa. We cannot allow disunity among them. I have contacted respected elders to help resolve the tension amicably and sustain peace in Yorubaland.”

He further warned that with current pockets of insecurity in the region, unity is crucial to prevent exploitation by external forces.

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) also called on the two rulers to settle their seniority dispute peacefully. Dr. Fayemi Fakayode, ICIR President, stressed the importance of collaboration among traditional leaders for the progress of the Yoruba people.

Meanwhile, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, President of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association (TRAWSO) in Osun State, pointed out that such supremacy clashes are not new. Speaking to Vanguard, he said:

“This rivalry dates back to previous reigns and was just as intense. The difference now is social media, which amplifies every minor disagreement. We must stop fueling these crises for the sake of peace.”

Sources within the Alaafin’s palace, speaking anonymously, indicated that the ultimatum was met with mixed reactions among the Alaafin’s subjects, many of whom hoped the two monarchs would focus on unity and the development of Yorubaland.

As the dispute unfolds, many are hopeful that ongoing mediation efforts will restore harmony between these two revered Yoruba monarchs and strengthen the foundation of peace across the region.