A fresh traditional tussle is brewing in Yorubaland as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has issued a stern warning to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the recent chieftaincy title conferred on businessman Dotun Sanusi.

The Ooni had bestowed on Sanusi the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland, but the Alaafin had rejected the move, describing it as a “direct challenge” to his authority.

In a statement released through his media director, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin insisted that only his throne holds the exclusive right to grant chieftaincy titles covering the entire Yorubaland. He argued that the Ooni’s authority is restricted to the Ife area alone, which today comprises Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South local governments.

“The conferment of a chieftaincy title that covers Yorubaland is the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin. The Ooni has no authority to do so,” the statement read.

The monarch went further to demand that the title conferred on Sanusi be revoked within 48 hours, warning that failure to comply would attract serious “consequences.”

Quoting past rulings, including a Supreme Court decision, the Alaafin accused the Ooni of repeatedly acting “above the law” and disregarding established traditions.

Oba Owoade, who ascended the throne on April 5, 2025, emphasized the need for peace and unity in Yorubaland but maintained that the integrity of the traditional institution must not be compromised.

This latest development has heightened tension in the Yoruba traditional hierarchy, with many awaiting how the Ooni will respond to the Alaafin’s demand.