The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has openly faulted the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the recent conferment of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan-based businessman, Chief Dotun Sanusi.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Bode Durojaye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as a direct affront to his authority and the traditional institution he represents.

According to Oba Owoade, the exclusive right to bestow chieftaincy titles that cover the entirety of Yorubaland lies with the Alaafin, a position he said has been affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He accused the Ooni of exceeding his jurisdiction and warned that failure to revoke the title within 48 hours could attract unspecified consequences.

The Alaafin stressed the importance of peace and unity among Yoruba traditional rulers, insisting that mutual respect was vital to sustaining progress across the region.

“It is the joy of our forefathers for us to be united. They worked to ensure peace in Yorubaland, and we must also continue in that path. God Himself is involved in our matter; therefore, we must always pursue peace and unity if we truly desire meaningful development,” he said.

Oba Owoade further argued that the Ooni’s instrument of office, as presented during his installation, limits his traditional jurisdiction to Ife land, which covers Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South local governments.

“The conferment of a title that extends to the whole of Yorubaland is an affront to the revered institution of the Alaafin, who holds the exclusive authority to do so. The Ooni is acting as though no authority exists to call him to order, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling on this matter,” the statement added.

The monarch concluded by demanding the immediate revocation of the chieftaincy title conferred on Chief Sanusi, warning that ignoring the directive would compel him to take decisive action.