Ooni Rejects Alaafin’s Ultimatum Over Chieftaincy Title

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has refused to respond to a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, demanding the withdrawal of a chieftaincy title recently conferred on Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said the monarch had instructed him not to issue any press release, stressing that the matter was not worth a response.

“We cannot dignify the undignifiable with an official statement. The issue has already been left for public opinion to judge. Let’s focus on what unites us, not what divides us. Forty-eight hours, my foot!” Olafare wrote on Facebook.

The Alaafin had earlier condemned the Ooni’s action, describing it as an affront and a direct challenge to his authority. He insisted that only the Alaafin holds the traditional right to bestow Yoruba-wide titles, citing a Supreme Court ruling.

He therefore demanded that the Ooni revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title granted to Sanusi, warning that failure to do so would not be tolerated.