BREAKING: Revoke Okanlomo of Yorubaland title within 48 hours – Alaafin warns Ooni of Ife

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Alaafin of Oyo and Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has expressed strong concerns over the alleged conferment of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on business tycoon Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the action as a direct affront to his authority, stressing that only the Alaafin holds the exclusive right to confer titles that cover the entire Yorubaland.

The statement further noted that the Ooni’s traditional jurisdiction is confined to Oranmiyan Local Government—now divided into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South—making the conferment of a title with pan-Yoruba relevance beyond his authority.

“The principle that no one is above the law is being challenged,” the statement declared, warning that the Alaafin expects the revocation of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title within 48 hours or appropriate action will be taken.

During a recent tour of Yoruba monarchs, the Alaafin had emphasized the need for unity and peace as the foundation for development in Yorubaland.

“Our forefathers ensured peace and unity; it is our responsibility to sustain this legacy. Sustainable development cannot exist without harmony,” he stated.

The Alaafin’s office also suggested that the Ooni may have mistaken the Alaafin’s peace efforts for weakness, which, it said, led to actions deemed ultra vires and disrespectful to the Titan of Yorubaland.