Olusegun Adeyemo
The unfolding tension between two foremost Yoruba monarchs — the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has continued to draw calls. The latest of such calls for caution and unity is coming from respected elder statesman and cultural icon, the Aare Alaasa of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi.
The disagreement was sparked after the Ooni of Ife conferred the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan-based businessman and philanthropist, Engineer Dotun Sanusi, during the unveiling of 2geda, an indigenous social media platform, at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan, over the weekend. The Alaafin reportedly faulted the decision, raising questions of protocol and authority within Yoruba traditional institutions.
Speaking on the matter in an interview with The Journal Nigeria,Oloye Alabi expressed deep concern, warning that disputes between Yoruba monarchs could weaken the unity and progress of the race.
“Our two respected royal fathers know very well that when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. As paramount rulers, they are symbols of our heritage, and the Yoruba people are enjoined by God to pray for them, respect them, and honor them,” he said.
Alabi, a media veteran and former press secretary to four Oyo State governors, recalled witnessing similar supremacy tussles between the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, and the then Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, during the military era.
“I saw it all as a key witness, especially during the reign of the late Governor Olurin when the rivalry between the Alaafin and Ooni was very heated,” he recounted.
According to him, history shows that prolonged royal disputes detract from more pressing developmental concerns and divide the Yoruba nation at critical times.
“This is not the time for acrimony or bitterness,” Alabi cautioned. “What Yorubaland, Nigeria, and indeed the world expect from our monarchs today is unity, wisdom, and a forward-looking spirit. They should seek the progress and advancement of our people above any rivalry. If they unite, their subjects will gladly follow their footsteps.”
He urged both monarchs to use their influence to foster peace, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development, rather than allow personal or institutional rivalries to dominate the public space.