By Dr. Adedipe Dauda Ewenla
The attention of the public has been drawn to the recent action of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in conferring the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Chief Dotun Sanusi. This unfortunate action is not only a direct affront to Yoruba history and tradition, but it also violates a Supreme Court judgment which has long-established the Alaafin of Oyo as the sole monarch with authority to confer titles covering the entire Yorubaland.
This matter is not a debate of pride or rivalry. It is a fact — documented in Yoruba history, customary law, British colonial records, and court rulings that the Alaafin of Oyo remains the supreme king among Yoruba Obas, whose authority spans all Yorubaland when it comes to the conferment of Yoruba-wide titles.
Jurisdictional Boundaries
The Ooni of Ife, by law and history, has authority only within Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South Local Government Areas (formerly Oranmiyan Local Government). Any conferment beyond that, especially on titles bearing “of Yorubaland,” is an overreach and a breach of recognized traditional order.
For clarity:
The Ooni may confer titles of Oodua, which are tied to Ile-Ife as the cradle of the Yoruba people.
The Alaafin alone can confer Yorubaland titles, as they extend beyond Ile-Ife to all Yoruba territories.
Therefore, the conferment of Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Ooni is invalid, improper, and must be corrected to Okanlomo of Oodua.
Historical and Legal Backing
History: For centuries, the Alaafin has stood as the supreme custodian of Yoruba sovereignty and the recognized overlord of all Yoruba kings. As a ceremonial monarch today, the Alaafin retains exclusive prerogative to appoint chieftains representing the entire Yorubaland including positions such as the Aare Ona Kakanfo and Iyalode reinforcing his paramountcy in traditional hierarchy.
Supreme Court Judgment: In reaffirmation of this position, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in rulings on Yoruba chieftaincy matters (widely cited by traditional councils and affirmed in apex judgments referenced in the 1976 and 1985 rulings), held that only the Alaafin has the authority to give chieftaincy titles covering the whole Yorubaland. This judgment is binding and must be respected by all stakeholders.
British Colonial Backing (1888 Treaty): On July 3, 1888, Alaafin Adeyemi I Alowolodu, recognized as the “Head of Yorubaland,” entered into a formal treaty with the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, reflecting explicit British recognition of his sovereignty over Yorubaland . The treaty described the Alaafin as “Head of Yorubaland”, thereby validating his supremacy in both domestic custom and international recognition.
Appeal to the Ooni
I respectfully call on the Ooni of Ife to:
Comply with the Supreme Court judgment by withdrawing the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland within the stipulated 48 hours. According to Alaafin Owoade
Refrain from acts of provocation that may incite unnecessary conflict among Yoruba monarchs.
Respect the traditional boundaries that have preserved peace and unity in Yorubaland for centuries.
Warning to Supporters of Falsehood
To those encouraging and supporting the Ooni in this unconstitutional action: you are only fanning the embers of discord. Supporting illegality is not loyalty it is a betrayal of Yoruba tradition and unity.
The Alaafin of Oyo is not just another king; he is the supreme custodian of Yorubaland titles, and this fact is anchored in our history books, British treaty recognition, Supreme Court judgments, and collective memory.
Conclusion
This matter must not be trivialized. It is about protecting the hierarchy, unity, and integrity of the Yoruba nation. I, therefore, stand firmly in support of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, in his rightful demand that the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland be revoked immediately and corrected to reflect the proper boundaries of authority.
Failure to do so could ignite unnecessary tension between two of our most prominent monarchs and outcome that Yoruba sons and daughters, and indeed Nigeria at large, cannot afford at this time.
