Billionaire businessman Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, reconciled the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo during his 90th birthday celebration in Lagos, ending their public rift and leading to the creation of a Joint Council for Yoruba Unity.
Ifa priest Ifayemi Elebuibon has urged the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo to end their rivalry and focus on peace, stressing their shared history and Ife’s primacy.
Nigerians are awaiting Alaafin Owoade’s next move after his 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife over the Okanlomo title expired without compliance.
Alaafin of Oyo asserts colonial-era recognition of his supremacy over Yorubaland amid a title dispute with the Ooni of Ife, though other monarchs are calling for peace.
“I swore to defend Yoruba culture,” says Alaafin amid rising tensions with Ooni.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has denied being in a supremacy battle with the Ooni of Ife, insisting his reign prioritises Yoruba heritage and the welfare of his people.
Following the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo to the Ooni of Ife, palace sources indicate that the Alaafin may release a Supreme Court ruling affirming his exclusive authority to confer pan-Yoruba chieftaincy titles.
Checks reveal Ooni first named Dotun Sanusi Okanlomo of Yorubaland in 2019, years before current row with Alaafin.
Abuja lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi has dismissed claims that the Alaafin of Oyo holds supremacy over pan-Yoruba affairs, insisting no Supreme Court ruling grants such authority.
Lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi says no law or Supreme Court ruling vests pan-Yoruba authority in the Alaafin of Oyo, defending the Ooni’s right to confer chieftaincy titles.