Temitayo Olumofe
The Yoruba people, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, have long been united by their rich culture and revered monarchs. Among these monarchs, the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo stand out as two of the most respected custodial kings. However, recent events have cast a shadow over this unity. What was once a relationship built on mutual respect and cultural preservation has now spiraled into a bitter feud, exposing fault lines that threaten Yoruba solidarity. This conflict is not just a matter of tradition clashing with ego; it has unsettled Yoruba elites and ordinary people alike. Some see it as a pivotal test for the survival of Yoruba culture. In contrast, others worry that it reveals how even the highest palatial seats are vulnerable to power struggles and political schemes.
The latest confrontation came to light publicly on August 18, 2025, when the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, openly challenged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, over a chieftaincy title. The Ooni had conferred the prestigious title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Chief Dotun Sanusi, a businesman, during the unveiling of an indigenous social media platform, 2geda, in Ibadan.
The Alaafin declared that he alone has the authority to confer titles that span all of Yorubaland and demanded the revocation of the title within 48 hours, threatening unspecified consequences if his demand was ignored. The Ooni’s camp dismissed this ultimatum as undignified and chose to let the public judge the issue. This clash has since deepened, with Yoruba elders, political leaders, and cultural organizations stepping in to mediate and urge calm. Yet, the compromise solution remains elusive amid fierce claims to supremacy and authority over Yoruba traditions.
At the heart of this dispute lies a historic tension between two types of leadership—the spiritual versus the political or temporal. The Ooni of Ife, traditionally regarded as the spiritual head of the Yoruba people, derives his authority from Ile-Ife, considered the cradle and origin of Yoruba civilization. The Alaafin of Oyo, by contrast, carries the legacy of the mighty Oyo Empire, historically a powerful political and military entity among the Yoruba. The current confrontation originated from political and cultural symbolism associated with these two seats.
The Alaafin’s insistence that his authority is supreme and exclusive over all chieftaincy titles linked to the Yoruba land reflects a claim to political hegemony rooted in the colonial-era British treaty, which he asserts recognized him as the superior Yoruba ruler. In his statement on August 20, 2025, Alaafin Oba Owoade cited historical treaties with the British as affirming his position as the foremost Yoruba monarch, emphasizing the empire’s past wealth and military strength.
On the other hand, the Ooni’s supporters highlight the spiritual primacy of Ile-Ife and argue that the Alaafin’s temporal influence is largely confined to the old Oyo province. The pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere publicly backed the Ooni, clarifying that while the Alaafin retains historic prestige, the Ooni is regarded as the “first among equals” and the spiritual head, embraced across all Yoruba towns, including Oyo. Legal experts also weighed in, noting that no court or statutory law explicitly grants the Alaafin exclusive pan-Yoruba jurisdiction to bestow titles with wide cultural significance. This historic debate has been exacerbated by recent provocations, including what some Ibadan chiefs called disrespectful remarks and actions by the Alaafin towards the Ooni and the people of Ibadan, who consider themselves proud of their own Olubadan chieftaincy heritage.
The escalating feud has stirred mixed reactions among Yoruba elites and the wider population. Many worry that the dispute risks deepening divisions at a time when Yoruba identity faces challenges from political interference, modernization pressures, and external threats.
Traditionalists and cultural elders are particularly concerned. Some fear that the rivalry could lead to factionalism, with certain monarchs aligning with the Alaafin and others with the Ooni, potentially fracturing Yoruba solidarity. A prominent traditionalist voiced concerns about unseen forces sowing discord, suggesting that the quarrel might be a “spell” or manipulation aimed at undermining Yoruba unity.
Meanwhile, socio-political organizations and councils have appealed for peace and restraint. The Yoruba Council Worldwide, for example, issued a statement urging both monarchs to cease hostilities and calling on Yoruba elders and statesmen to mediate and foster reconciliation. They emphasized that the monarchs symbolize Yoruba civilization and that their unity is essential for cultural preservation and maintaining dignity on the global stage.
The public feud has also sparked wider debate on social media and among Yoruba sons and daughters, some of whom have been urged to moderate their comments to prevent further divisions. While the Alaafin’s ultimatum expired without reversal of the title, the call for dialogue and truce remains strong among the stakeholders.
This episode highlights a broader truth: the challenges of maintaining cultural identity in a modern world where political ambitions and traditional roles often clash. The Yoruba monarchs, far from being isolated cultural figures, are deeply embedded in contemporary social and political realities. Their conflict serves as a cautionary tale about how internal divisions could weaken a once-mighty cultural entity. Yet, it also opens space for reflection on how Yoruba unity can be renewed, respecting both spiritual and temporal traditions without succumbing to ego-driven contests.
The Ooni-Alaafin rift, which has been ongoing since August 18, 2025, is more than a royal quarrel; it is a defining moment for the Yoruba people. The resolution or escalation of this dispute will shape the future of Yoruba cultural survival and political harmony for generations to come. The eyes of a nation and the world remain fixed on how wisdom, patience, and respect will eventually heal or deepen this historic wound.
More so, efforts toward reconciliation are actively underway. Influential Yoruba leaders, including the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, are engaged in mediating the dispute with the hopes of fostering peace and unity. Yoruba elders and cultural custodians have called for calm and have been offering traditional rituals and sacrifices aimed at restoring harmony. Many see this as a critical opportunity to reaffirm the shared values and cultural heritage that transcend individual ambitions. The Yoruba Council Worldwide and other pro-Yoruba groups have urged dialogue, apology, and mutual respect, emphasizing that the monarchs symbolize the dignity and identity of the entire Yoruba nation.
Beyond immediate resolution, this episode serves as a reminder that preserving Yoruba unity requires collective effort from all stakeholders, monarchs, elders, political leaders, and the people. For the Yoruba civilization to thrive amid modern challenges, disputes must be settled with humility, fostering cooperation rather than division. The legacy of both the Ooni and the Alaafin is ultimately intertwined with the welfare of their people, and healing this rift is crucial not only for tradition but also for the survival and prosperity of the Yoruba nation on the global stage.