Nigerians are awaiting Alaafin Owoade’s next move after his 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife over the Okanlomo title expired without compliance.
Nigerians, particularly across the South-West, are keenly awaiting the next step of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after a 48-hour ultimatum he issued to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, expired without compliance.
The row began after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi, a move the Alaafin described as a breach of tradition. In a statement signed by his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade insisted that the authority to bestow pan-Yoruba chieftaincy titles rests solely with the Alaafin. “The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test … REVOCATION of the so-called OKANLOMO of Yorubaland chieftaincy title … WITHIN 48 HOURS or face the consequences,” the statement read.
However, the Ooni’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, dismissed the warning, describing it as “empty” and unworthy of an official response. He said, “We cannot dignify the undignifyable with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion.”
Reactions among Nigerians remain divided, with some backing the Alaafin’s claim of exclusive rights, while others criticised the confrontation as unnecessary.
As of press time, Alaafin’s palace said no final decision had been taken on the next course of action.