Traditional rulers, Mogajis, Baales, and other stakeholders in Ibadan have faulted the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, over the 48-hour ultimatum he issued to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the withdrawal of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title conferred on Chief Dotun Sanusi.
The Ibadan leaders, in a statement signed by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, described Alaafin Owoade’s ultimatum as provocative and an affront on Ibadanland.
“An attack on the Bada Olubadan-designate is an attack on the entire Ibadanland. The irrational behaviour of Alaafin Owoade since ascending the throne must be checked and should not be extended to Ibadanland,” the statement read.
They recalled that the Ooni had conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Sanusi years ago at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts, stressing that the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, never opposed the honour.
“The late Alaafin Adeyemi was alive when Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi bestowed the title on Sanusi, and he never raised any objection. In fact, the late monarch had cordial relations with Sanusi and openly appreciated his contributions to Ibadanland and Yorubaland,” the Mogajis and Baales noted.
The stakeholders also cited the close relationship between Sanusi and Ooni, noting that both men share the same birth date, October 17, and have often attended each other’s celebrations. They further pointed out that Sanusi hosted the Ooni at Ilaji Resorts in 2020, where he was formally pronounced Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
They maintained that any attack on Sanusi, who is the Bada Olubadan-designate, would be seen as a direct attack on Ibadanland, warning that Oba Owoade’s stance could fuel unnecessary divisions in Yorubaland.
“Instead of engaging in initiatives that promote unity and development, the current Alaafin appears bent on stoking divisions. He has already lost credibility over the Oyo State Council of Obas chairmanship tussle, and now he is attacking a foremost Ibadan chief, philanthropist, and respected personality in Nigeria. This is unacceptable,” the statement added.
