Olusegun Adeyemo
Elder statesman and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, has expressed concern over the fresh rift brewing within Yorubaland’s royal hierarchy following the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi’s silence on a 48-hour ultimatum reportedly issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.
The disagreement stems from the conferment of a chieftaincy title on Ibadan business mogul, Engineer Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Journal Nigeria on the development, Dr. Farounbi described the situation as “unfortunate,” stressing that individuals occupying eminent traditional positions should always uphold the dignity and protocol of their offices.
“I don’t expect such a public outburst from the eminent Alaafin,” Farounbi said. “Looking at history, it is clear that only the Ooni has the authority to bestow titles directly connected to Odùduwà. For example, Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo was once made Yeye Odùduwà, and such positions have always been within the Ooni’s prerogative.”
He cited historical records to back his position, referencing the British Gazette of February 28, 1903, which recognized the Ooni as the sole authority empowered to confer crowns on Obas in Yorubaland. He further recalled a 1951 gazette that ranked the Ooni as the foremost traditional ruler in Yorubaland, followed by the then-Oba of Benin and the Alaafin of Oyo.
Dr. Farounbi also noted that meetings of Yoruba Obas held in 1931 (Oyo), 1935 (Ife), and subsequently in Ibadan were all presided over by the Ooni of Ife, underscoring his recognized position as primus inter pares among Yoruba monarchs.
“If someone was recognized as far back as 1903 as the one who can give crowns to kings in Yorubaland and beyond, then if the Ooni confers a title related to Odùduwà, I don’t see the capacity of anyone to challenge that power,” he argued.
He cautioned that the Alaafin’s public reaction could aggravate tensions unnecessarily, urging both revered monarchs to protect the unity, culture, and dignity of Yorubaland.