Traditionalists warn that the supremacy battle between Alaafin and Ooni may be the result of a spell and urge reconciliation to prevent wider conflict.
The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State has suggested that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, may be under a spell, following renewed hostilities between the two monarchs. The group’s president, Oluseyi Atanda, warned that the feud could escalate into a wider crisis among Yoruba monarchs, saying, “May we not be under spell in Yorubaland.”
The dispute resurfaced after Oba Ogunwusi conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi in Ibadan on August 16. The Alaafin rejected the move, insisting only he had the authority to bestow titles covering Yorubaland, and gave the Ooni 48 hours to revoke it or “face the consequences.”
Prominent Ifa priest, Ifayemi Elebuibon, also lamented the feud, describing it as “a disgrace to every Yoruba.” Yoruba elders are said to be mediating privately, while both palaces have avoided further public confrontation.