Alaafin of Oyo asserts colonial-era recognition of his supremacy over Yorubaland amid a title dispute with the Ooni of Ife, though other monarchs are calling for peace.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Thursday declared that the British colonial authorities had recognised the Alaafin as the “Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation” through a treaty, amid renewed tension between him and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The rift followed the Ooni’s conferment of the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the unveiling of the 2geda media platform in Ibadan. In reaction, Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Ooni to withdraw the title or face “consequences,” though the Ooni has remained silent.
In a fresh statement, Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaye, asserted: “The British…recognised lineage as meaningful supremacy and legitimacy, preferring to sign the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation.” He stressed the monarch’s covenant to protect Yoruba tradition and culture.
Meanwhile, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, urged restraint, insisting, “Ooni remains Ooni, and Alaafin remains Alaafin. There is no supremacy battle.”