Following the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo to the Ooni of Ife, palace sources indicate that the Alaafin may release a Supreme Court ruling affirming his exclusive authority to confer pan-Yoruba chieftaincy titles.
Tension has escalated in Yorubaland as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, reportedly considers releasing a Supreme Court judgment after his 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife expired on August 20. The demand, delivered through his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, called on the Ooni to revoke the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title bestowed on businessman Dotun Sanusi, citing a superior court ruling that restricts such powers to the Alaafin .
The ultimatum triggered a sharp rebuke from the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, who dismissed it as an “empty threat,” stating:
“My Principal has directed me against issuing a Press Release on the empty threat of the Alawada Babasala. No Press Release pls 48 Hours My Foot” .
With the ultimatum lapsed, multiple palace sources say the Alaafin may now publish the Supreme Court judgment, reinforcing his claim as the sole authority on pan-Yoruba titular matters.