- The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State has expressed concern over the escalating feud between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.
- The dispute began after the Ooni conferred the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title on businessman Dotun Sanusi, which the Alaafin contested.
The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State has raised alarm over the growing rift between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, cautioning that the monarchs may be under a spell.
President of the association, Oluseyi Atanda, warned that the repeated clashes could escalate into a wider crisis if not resolved urgently.
He suggested rituals might be needed to restore peace, saying: “The two monarchs are traditionalists. We are from the same father. What could have caused the fight? What is happening could be a spell from some people who don’t want the Yoruba race to unite.” He also urged aides of both rulers to act with restraint.
Renowned Ifa priest and poet, Ifayemi Elebuibon, condemned the feud as “needless and disgraceful,” stressing that Yoruba monarchs should prioritise the welfare of their people. “What should be paramount is the progress of the Yoruba race, not rivalry. Some people are fanning the embers of discord, but the monarchs must rise above this,” he said.
The dispute erupted after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the launch of an indigenous networking platform in Ibadan on August 16, a move the Alaafin rejected, insisting only he had the authority to confer titles over the entire Yoruba nation.