Royal rumble: Ooni, Alaafin in renewed supremacy battle

The age-old supremacy battle between two of Yorubaland’s most revered thrones, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife, has once again flared, with the Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to his Ife counterpart, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

At the centre of the latest storm is the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland, which the Ooni recently conferred on Ibadan businessman and philanthropist, Dotun Sanusi, popularly known as Ilaji.

In a strongly worded statement signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as an “affront” and a direct challenge to his authority, insisting that only the Alaafin holds the exclusive right to bestow titles covering the entirety of Yorubaland.

“The conferment of any chieftaincy title which borders on Yorubaland is the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin,” the statement read. “The Ooni of Ife has exceeded his jurisdiction, disregarding even the Supreme Court judgment which affirmed that only the Alaafin holds such prerogative.”

The Alaafin argued that the Ooni’s instrument of office restricts his authority to the former Oranmiyan Local Government area—now split into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South. By conferring a pan-Yoruba title, he said, the Ooni has acted “unlawfully, derogatorily, and in contempt of the apex court.”

He warned that unless the title is revoked within 48 hours, the Ooni should be prepared to face unspecified “consequences,” cautioning that his patience should not be mistaken for weakness.

Echoes of an old rivalry

The spat reopens a long-running rivalry between the Oyo and Ife thrones, both of which lay claim to primacy within the Yoruba cultural universe. While the Ooni of Ife is traditionally regarded as the spiritual father of the Yoruba race, the Alaafin of Oyo has historically wielded political and military authority.

This uneasy balance has often led to contests of influence, particularly when issues of pan-Yoruba identity, leadership, or honours are involved.

Yoruba voices weigh in

The public reaction has been as divided as the monarchs themselves, with Yoruba voices on social media amplifying the tension.

HRM Oba Omotooyosi Bayo M. Akinleye sought to remind both parties of their place:
“Alaafin authority ends on Oyo land. Owa Obokun authority ends on Ijesa land. Awujale authority ends on Ijebu land. Alake authority ends on Egba land. No child is older than who father them—we are all children of Oodua, and Ooni is sitting on our father’s throne.”

But others sided with the Alaafin. “Only Alaafin has the right to confer titles that cover Yorubaland,” tweeted Oluwadamilare Fabiyi. “What is the Ooni doing?”

Some dismissed the supremacy claims as exaggerated. “It’s befuddling to read that a monarch has reserved the epithet ‘Yorubaland’ as if it’s copyright,” said Omoba Adegoke. “We joke too much in this country.”

Academic and commentator Opeyemi Adewumi urged restraint: “Do we really need this? Our very revered Imperial Majesties can and should put an end to these age-long rivalries.”

Others questioned the veracity of the ultimatum itself. “Who is going to remind Alaafin that his monarchy power starts and ends in Oyo land?” asked Olúwadámiláre. “Though, I don’t believe this news sha—it seems to be a joke taken too far.”

Some used family metaphors to interpret the dispute. A Twitter user, Lami, compared Yorubaland to a family tree:

“Yoruba gave birth to twin sons, Oyo and Ife. Oyo bestowed a title on one of his sons. Ife, being an uncle, decided to honour the same child with a bigger title, but Oyo feels it’s an overreach. The question is: is Ife trying to unite the family, or assert superiority?”

Beyond the palace walls, critics see political undertones in the renewed hostilities. Akanji Adeyemi lamented what he described as the erosion of Yoruba culture by modern politics:

“The political kings who are crowned these days don’t know the culture they preside over. Who is Alaafin to threaten the Ooni? It’s sad this is happening. Who is Alaafin to threaten the throne of Oonirisa?”